1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 720 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Chevrolet Corvette 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 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (461 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Corvette | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 261 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 34 L |
