1996 Ford Falcon vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,707 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1996 Ford Falcon. (228 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Falcon weights approximately 179 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Because 1996 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 1996 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 1996 Ford Falcon (398 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Falcon | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Falcon | GTI |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3707 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 398 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2578 mm |
