1978 Plymouth Trail Duster vs. 1987 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1987 Ford Fairlane is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 4,088 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Fairlane (137 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 15 kg more than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 Ford Fairlane. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster 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, 1987 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (238 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster | 1987 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Plymouth | Ford |
| Model | Trail Duster | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3678 cc | 4088 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2950 mm |
