1988 Ford Falcon vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1988 Ford Falcon. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Falcon weights approximately 38 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1988 Ford Falcon 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 1988 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Falcon. (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Falcon | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Falcon | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2580 mm |
