1988 Ford Fairlane vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 67 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
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 Passat, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Fairlane. 2013 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fairlane | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2803 mm |
