2000 Ford Falcon vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Falcon (268 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Falcon weights approximately 38 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 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 2000 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2000 Ford Falcon (420 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Falcon | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Falcon | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
