2007 Dodge Caliber vs. 1981 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 2007 Dodge Caliber is newer by 26 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 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Dodge Caliber (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Dodge Caliber, 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, 1981 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Dodge Caliber. (170 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Dodge Caliber. 1981 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2007 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2007 Dodge Caliber will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Dodge Caliber | 1981 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caliber | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2950 mm |
