1982 Ford Fairlane vs. 1978 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1982 Ford Fairlane is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Fairlane (125 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 580 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1982 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1982 Ford Fairlane | 1978 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Fairlane | Beetle |
Year Released | 1982 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 125 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 296 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |