1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2009 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 36 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, 2009 Volkswagen Routan (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 857 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, 2009 Volkswagen Routan, 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 (339 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Routan. (313 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Routan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2009 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Routan |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 3796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3080 mm |
