1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 1999 Volkswagen Lupo
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Lupo is newer by 18 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, 1981 Ford Fairlane (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. (59 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 420 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Lupo, 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 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. (115 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. 1981 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Lupo has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Lupo 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 | 1999 Volkswagen Lupo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Lupo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2330 mm |
