1997 Ford Falcon vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Falcon (301 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Falcon weights approximately 343 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Falcon. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 (515 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. 1998 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Falcon has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Falcon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Falcon | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Falcon | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 515 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1674 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 62 L |
