1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 1980 Ford Laser
To start off, 1981 Ford Fairlane is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Laser 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 30 more horse power than 1980 Ford Laser. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 565 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser. 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, 1980 Ford Laser, 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 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Laser. (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Laser. 1981 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Laser has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Laser 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 | 1980 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fairlane | Laser |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2370 mm |
