1998 Buick Signia vs. 1989 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1998 Buick Signia is newer by 9 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, 1998 Buick Signia (238 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fairlane. (186 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Signia should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Signia weights approximately 180 kg more than 1989 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1998 Buick Signia, 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, 1998 Buick Signia (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fairlane. (338 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Signia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Signia | 1989 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Signia | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 3949 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2930 mm |
