1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 1977 Holden GTS
To start off, 1981 Ford Fairlane is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Holden GTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Holden GTS would be higher. At 4,139 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Holden GTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Holden GTS (158 HP @ 4550 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Holden GTS should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Holden GTS weights approximately 75 kg more than 1981 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1977 Holden GTS (326 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1977 Holden GTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fairlane. 1981 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1977 Holden GTS has manual transmission. 1977 Holden GTS 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 | 1977 Holden GTS | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Fairlane | GTS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 4139 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2830 mm |
