1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1989 Ford Falcon
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 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, 1989 Ford Falcon (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Falcon weights approximately 120 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Volkswagen Golf (285 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Falcon. (236 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Falcon. 1989 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 1989 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 3157 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2800 mm |
