1997 Ford Falcon vs. 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 12 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 131 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Falcon weights approximately 427 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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 (515 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 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. 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Falcon | 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Falcon | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 515 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1674 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
