1988 Ford Fairlane vs. 1983 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1988 Ford Fairlane is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Polo 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) has 99 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Polo. (39 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 928 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1983 Volkswagen Polo, 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 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Polo. (74 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fairlane | 1983 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 39 HP |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 702 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2400 mm |
