1998 Ford Laser vs. 1979 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1998 Ford Laser is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (128 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Laser weights approximately 485 kg more than 1979 Ford Fiesta. 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, 1998 Ford Laser (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (65 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 1979 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Laser | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 55.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 34 L |
