1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,383 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (173 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Pontiac Solstice weights approximately 424 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Pontiac Solstice is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Pontiac Solstice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (138 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Pontiac Solstice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fiesta | 2009 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Solstice |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 49 L |
