1989 Ford Fairlane vs. 1979 Saab 900
To start off, 1989 Ford Fairlane is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Saab 900 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 43 more horse power than 1979 Saab 900. (143 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1979 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 310 kg more than 1979 Saab 900. 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, 1979 Saab 900, 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 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Saab 900. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Saab 900. 1989 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1979 Saab 900 has manual transmission. 1979 Saab 900 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fairlane | 1979 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | Fairlane | 900 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3949 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2530 mm |
