2004 Fiat Panda vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2004 Fiat Panda is newer by 23 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Fiat Panda weights approximately 300 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Because 2004 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Fiesta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Panda. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Panda | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Panda | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 34 L |
