1988 Ford Fairlane vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 25 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 270 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Fairlane has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Fairlane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Ford Fairlane | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Fairlane | Beetle |
Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4089 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 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 | 6-speed automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1360 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4277 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1473 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2537 mm |