1988 Ford Fairlane vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1988 Ford Fairlane is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Santana would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Fairlane (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 575 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana, 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, 1988 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fairlane | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Santana |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |
