1986 Citroen CX vs. 1981 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1986 Citroen CX is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Citroen CX (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Citroen CX weights approximately 20 kg more than 1981 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Citroen CX, 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, 1981 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Citroen CX. (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Citroen CX. 1981 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1986 Citroen CX has manual transmission. 1986 Citroen CX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Citroen CX | 1981 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | CX | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2950 mm |
