1989 Ford Falcon vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,157 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1989 Ford Falcon. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 16 kg more than 1989 Ford Falcon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Falcon. (236 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Ford Falcon | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Falcon | Passat |
Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3157 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 236 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1436 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4769 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2712 mm |