1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1981 Ford Fairlane is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen 1600 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) has 71 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 365 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fairlane | 1973 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2340 mm |
