2002 BMW 330 vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2002 BMW 330 is newer by 21 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 330 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 2002 BMW 330 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 2002 BMW 330. 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, 2002 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2002 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 330 | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 330 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 166 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 34 L |
