1990 Ford Fiesta vs. 1981 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1990 Ford Fiesta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Fiesta (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Cortina weights approximately 90 kg more than 1990 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1981 Ford Cortina 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 1981 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Ford Fiesta (183 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Fiesta | 1981 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 54 L |
