2005 Ford Fiesta vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 2005 Ford Fiesta is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Fiesta (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 353 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Ford Fiesta (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Fiesta | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Fiesta | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1208 kg | 855 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
