1983 Ford Fairlane vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 29 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fairlane. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 230 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1983 Ford Fairlane (326 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fairlane | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2578 mm |
