1989 Ford Fairlane vs. 2011 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 22 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, 2011 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fairlane. (186 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 524 kg more than 1989 Ford Fairlane. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Routan, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fairlane. (338 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fairlane | 2011 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Routan |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3949 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 3078 mm |
