1990 Ford Fairlane vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Ford Fairlane is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,948 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Fairlane (186 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 805 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1990 Ford Fairlane (338 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. 1990 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Fairlane | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3948 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 79 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 | 1555 kg | 750 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 |
