1995 Ford Fairlane vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1995 Ford Fairlane is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Fairlane (206 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 895 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 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 1995 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1995 Ford Fairlane (357 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Fairlane | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Polo |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 206 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 357 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.3 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2340 mm |
