1980 Ford Fairlane vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Fairlane (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 86 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1980 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Fairlane | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2580 mm |
