1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 2002 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2002 Subaru Outback is newer by 21 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, 2002 Subaru Outback (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Subaru Outback weights approximately 210 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 2002 Subaru Outback is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Fairlane. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Subaru Outback will offer significantly more control. 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 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Subaru Outback. (288 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Subaru Outback.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fairlane | 2002 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Fairlane | Outback |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2660 mm |
