1974 Ford Fairlane vs. 1983 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ford Fairlane (153 HP) has 100 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 607 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1974 Ford Fairlane (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1974 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Fairlane | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Golf |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2480 mm |
