1996 Fiat Punto vs. 2012 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2012 Ford Fiesta is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat Punto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat Punto would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Fiesta (120 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Punto. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 209 kg more than 1996 Fiat Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Ford Fiesta (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Punto. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Punto | 2012 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Punto | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1241 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1169 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4409 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1697 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2489 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
