I learnt to drive in a G reg Mk3 fiesta in 1993, it was a diesel too so it took some time getting up to speed. I remember the day it exceeded 50mph on a dual carriageway...
Blimey it must have been absolutely knackered, I’ve had two 1.6 diesel fiesta vans, the face lifted mk1 version, one a C reg, the other an E reg both would easily do in excess of 85 mph comfortably, and could fly up West Hill up towards Walkington near Beverley keeping at 60 mph, both were naturally aspirated engines too
Driven up that hill a good few times years ago,,, it certainly took it out of my petrol cars (Mind they were nothing special)