1975 Ford Fairlane vs. 1983 Ford Orion
To start off, 1983 Ford Orion is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,096 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Ford Fairlane (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1983 Ford Orion. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 575 kg more than 1983 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Orion, 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, 1975 Ford Fairlane (326 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Orion. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Fairlane | 1983 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fairlane | Orion |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4096 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 64.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
