1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 164 kg more than 1973 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Ford Fairlane 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 1973 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (380 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (339 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fairlane | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2820 mm |
