1982 Ford Fairlane vs. 2009 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1982 Ford Fairlane. (125 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 907 kg more than 1982 Ford Fairlane. 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, 2009 Volkswagen GTI, 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen GTI. 1982 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Fairlane | 2009 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | GTI |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2580 mm |
