1989 Ford Fairlane vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 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, 1989 Ford Fairlane (186 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen T5. (104 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 710 kg more than 1989 Ford Fairlane.
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 T5, 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen T5. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen T5. 1989 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen T5 has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen T5 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 | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | T5 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3949 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 3010 mm |
