1976 Ford Fairlane vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 35 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1976 Ford Fairlane. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 38 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Fairlane | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2578 mm |
