1989 Ford Escort vs. 1973 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1989 Ford Escort is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Fairlane (212 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 590 kg more than 1989 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Escort, 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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 1973 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2950 mm |
