1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2010 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 37 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 117 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat, 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 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2010 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
