1994 Ford Fairlane vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Ford Fairlane (205 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 405 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 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 1994 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1994 Ford Fairlane (357 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1994 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1994 Ford Fairlane has manual transmission. 1994 Ford Fairlane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Fairlane | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Golf |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3983 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 357 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2470 mm |
