1979 Ford Fairlane vs. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Fairlane (185 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 215 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 1979 Ford Fairlane (344 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fairlane | 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Fairlane | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4940 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2650 mm |
