1968 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1979 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1979 Ford Fairlane is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (165 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 160 kg more than 1979 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (388 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fairlane. 1979 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1968 Chevrolet Nova has manual transmission. 1968 Chevrolet Nova will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Nova | 1979 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Nova | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2950 mm |
