1997 Ford Falcon vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Ford Falcon is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Falcon (205 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (54 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Falcon weights approximately 675 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1997 Ford Falcon (357 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (92 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Falcon | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Falcon | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 357 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2480 mm |
