1983 Ford Fairlane vs. 2004 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2004 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (176 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fairlane. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 180 kg more than 1983 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fairlane. (326 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fairlane. 2004 Renault Vel Satis has automatic transmission and 1983 Ford Fairlane has manual transmission. 1983 Ford Fairlane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fairlane | 2004 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Fairlane | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2690 mm |
