1997 Ford F-250 vs. 1981 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1997 Ford F-250 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 6,800 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford F-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford F-250 (306 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford F-250 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford F-250 weights approximately 980 kg more than 1981 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Ford F-250 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Fairlane. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford F-250 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Ford F-250 (575 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Ford F-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford F-250 | 1981 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | F-250 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6800 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 575 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2380 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5760 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2950 mm |
