1984 Ford Fairlane vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1984 Ford Fairlane. (131 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 553 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1984 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 1984 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1984 Ford Fairlane (305 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. 1984 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Fairlane | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Golf |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2480 mm |
