1986 Ford Fairlane vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1986 Ford Fairlane. (137 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 263 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1986 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 1986 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1986 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Fairlane | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1369 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2651 mm |
