1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 1985 Holden Statesman
To start off, 1985 Holden Statesman is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Holden Statesman (169 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Holden Statesman weights approximately 322 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, 1985 Holden Statesman (361 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1985 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fairlane | 1985 Holden Statesman | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Fairlane | Statesman |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 5042 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1722 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2900 mm |
