1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2011 Ford Falcon is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Falcon (261 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Falcon weights approximately 414 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 2011 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 2011 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, 2011 Ford Falcon (391 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2011 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. 2011 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4955 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
