1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 32 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 80 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fairlane. 1981 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| 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 | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2537 mm |
