1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
To start off, 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is newer by 15 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 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight weights approximately 140 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.
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, 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, 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, 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (352 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fairlane | 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Fairlane | Eighty-Eight |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2820 mm |
