USA vs USA — 1962 vs 1957
| Fairlane 500 GT | Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 320 hp | 245 hp |
| Torque | 427 lb-ft | 320 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,392 cc | 5,113 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.8 sec | 10.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 110 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.0 sec | 17.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,400 lbs | 3,900 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 2,946 mm |
| Length | 5,029 mm | 5,372 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 48,394 |
| Original MSRP | $2,839 | $2,942 |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | $125,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 7/10 |
On balance, the 1962 Ford Fairlane 500 GT makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable counters with stronger collectibility, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1962 Ford Fairlane 500 GT for outright capability, or the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Ford Fairlane. The 1962 and 1957 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1962 Ford Fairlane 500 GT holds a clear advantage in raw power with 320 hp compared to 245 hp, a 75-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Fairlane uses a V8 OHV (FE big-block) displacing 6,392 cc, while the Ford Fairlane 500 relies on a V8 OHV with 5,113 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1962 Ford Fairlane 500 GT edges ahead at 6.8 seconds versus 10.5 seconds. The Ford Fairlane carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 500 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.