1985 Ford Taurus vs. 1974 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1985 Ford Taurus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ford Fairlane (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1985 Ford Taurus. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 7 kg more than 1985 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Taurus, 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, 1974 Ford Fairlane (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Taurus. (217 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Taurus | 1974 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taurus | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2950 mm |
