1983 Ford Orion vs. 1979 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1983 Ford Orion is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Fairlane (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1983 Ford Orion. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 524 kg more than 1983 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Orion, 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, 1979 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Orion. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Orion. 1979 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1983 Ford Orion has manual transmission. 1983 Ford Orion will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Orion | 1979 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Orion | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 876 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2950 mm |
