1988 Ford Fairlane vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Fairlane 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 34 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 230 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 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, 1988 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fairlane | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1400 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 |
