1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 20 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, 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix (173 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 76 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, 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix. (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fairlane | 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fairlane | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 3130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2990 mm |
