1989 Ford Fairlane vs. 1996 Saturn SC
To start off, 1996 Saturn SC is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Fairlane 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 85 more horse power than 1996 Saturn SC. (101 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1996 Saturn SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 515 kg more than 1996 Saturn SC. 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, 1996 Saturn SC, 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 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Saturn SC. (158 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Saturn SC. 1989 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1996 Saturn SC has manual transmission. 1996 Saturn SC 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 | 1996 Saturn SC | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Fairlane | SC |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3949 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2610 mm |
