1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 28 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, 2009 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 134 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus.
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, 2009 Ford Focus, 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 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus. 1981 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Focus 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 | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fairlane | Focus |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
