1999 BMW Z9 vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1999 BMW Z9 is newer by 18 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW Z9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z9 (242 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z9 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW Z9 weights approximately 830 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 1999 BMW Z9 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 1999 BMW Z9. 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, 1999 BMW Z9 (560 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 431 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1999 BMW Z9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW Z9 | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Z9 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3060 mm | 2400 mm |
