1976 Ford Fairlane vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1976 Ford Fairlane. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 96 kg more than 1976 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1976 Ford Fairlane (328 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Fairlane | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2470 mm |
