1988 Ford Falcon vs. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is newer by 25 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 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Falcon (161 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. (134 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Falcon weights approximately 210 kg more than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, 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, 1988 Ford Falcon (311 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. (169 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Falcon has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Falcon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Falcon | 2013 Chevrolet Sonic | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Falcon | Sonic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3949 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4039 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1517 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2525 mm |
