1994 Ford Fiesta vs. 1981 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1994 Ford Fiesta is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Ford Fiesta (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (57 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 69 kg more than 1994 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1981 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1994 Ford Fiesta (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Fiesta | 1981 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Fiesta | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 963 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2410 mm |
