1989 Ford Fairlane vs. 1975 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1989 Ford Fairlane is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Fairlane (186 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 740 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1989 Ford Fairlane (338 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. (119 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fairlane | 1975 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3949 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2410 mm |
