2009 Ford Fiesta vs. 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus
To start off, 2009 Ford Fiesta is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus would be higher. At 2,170 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (150 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2009 Ford Fiesta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 10 kg more than 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus.
Because 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus 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 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Fiesta. (152 Nm @ 4050 RPM). This means 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Fiesta | 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus | |
| Make | Ford | Talbot |
| Model | Fiesta | Sunbeam-Lotus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4050 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
