1994 Ford Probe vs. 1979 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1994 Ford Probe is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Fairlane (185 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1994 Ford Probe. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 194 kg more than 1994 Ford Probe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Ford Probe, 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, 1979 Ford Fairlane (344 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Probe. 1979 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1994 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1994 Ford Probe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Probe | 1979 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Probe | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4940 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1236 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
