1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 1972 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1981 Ford Fairlane is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fairlane (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen K 70. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 350 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen K 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1981 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen K 70. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen K 70. 1981 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1972 Volkswagen K 70 has manual transmission. 1972 Volkswagen K 70 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fairlane | 1972 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2700 mm |
