1996 Audi A4 vs. 1989 Ford Fairlane

To start off, 1996 Audi A4 is newer by 7 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 63 more horse power than 1996 Audi A4. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 295 kg more than 1996 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

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, 1996 Audi A4, 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 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A4. (173 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A4. 1989 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1996 Audi A4 has manual transmission. 1996 Audi A4 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:

1996 Audi A4 1989 Ford Fairlane
Make Audi Ford
Model A4 Fairlane
Year Released 1996 1989
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1781 cc 3949 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 123 HP 186 HP
Engine RPM 5800 RPM 4250 RPM
Torque 173 Nm 338 Nm
Torque RPM 3950 RPM 3500 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1265 kg 1560 kg
Vehicle Length 4480 mm 5030 mm
Vehicle Width 1740 mm 1860 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1430 mm
Wheelbase Size 2630 mm 2930 mm