1999 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1998 Ford Falcon
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 1 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 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Falcon (221 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (89 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Falcon weights approximately 267 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 1999 Volkswagen New 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, 1998 Ford Falcon (357 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (210 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1998 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 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:
| 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1998 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | New Beetle | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 3984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 357 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1248 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
