1998 Ford Falcon vs. 2012 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2012 Dodge Caliber is newer by 14 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, 1998 Ford Falcon (235 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2012 Dodge Caliber. (158 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2012 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Falcon weights approximately 246 kg more than 2012 Dodge Caliber. 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, 2012 Dodge Caliber, 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 204 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Caliber. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Caliber. 1998 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 2012 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2012 Dodge Caliber 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 | 2012 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Falcon | Caliber |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 395 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2634 mm |
