1998 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1988 Ford Falcon
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Falcon (161 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (91 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Falcon weights approximately 200 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1988 Ford Falcon (311 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. 1988 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | 1988 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Beetle | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 3949 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 202 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2800 mm |
