1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 40 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (212 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 107 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2013 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Ford Fairlane. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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 (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. 1973 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2013 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2578 mm |
