1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 2011 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Express is newer by 30 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Express (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1107 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Chevrolet Express (452 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fairlane | 2011 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Fairlane | Express |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 452 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 2507 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5692 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 2126 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3429 mm |
