1998 Ford Falcon vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (239 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1998 Ford Falcon. (235 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 415 kg more than 1998 Ford Falcon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton, 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, 1998 Ford Falcon (395 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. 1998 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Falcon | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Falcon | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 395 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2890 mm |
