1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 35 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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 167 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Ford Fairlane. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer significantly more control. 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 (339 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2580 mm |
