1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 2012 Audi A3
To start off, 2012 Audi A3 is newer by 31 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, 2012 Audi A3 (140 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A3 weights approximately 105 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, 2012 Audi A3, 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, 2012 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fairlane | 2012 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Ford | Audi |
| Model | Fairlane | A3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2578 mm |
