1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1985 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1985 Ford Fairlane is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Fairlane (137 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 830 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1985 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1985 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2950 mm |
