1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 2011 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2011 Dodge Charger 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 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Charger (292 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Charger weights approximately 397 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 Dodge Charger (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fairlane | 2011 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Fairlane | Charger |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1797 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5077 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3053 mm |
