1981 Ford Falcon vs. 1986 Ford Orion
To start off, 1986 Ford Orion is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Falcon (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1986 Ford Orion. (62 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Falcon weights approximately 490 kg more than 1986 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Falcon 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 Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Orion, 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 Falcon (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Orion. (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Falcon | 1986 Ford Orion | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Falcon | Orion |
Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1297 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 109 HP | 62 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 228 Nm | 101 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 880 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4220 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1650 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |