1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 31 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Fairlane (212 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 375 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. 1973 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2470 mm |
