1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 1972 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1973 Ford Fairlane is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Fairlane (212 HP) has 159 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 649 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. 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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 1972 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
