2003 Ford Falcon vs. 1988 Ford Tempo
To start off, 2003 Ford Falcon is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Falcon (220 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1988 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Falcon weights approximately 410 kg more than 1988 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Tempo, 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, 2003 Ford Falcon (357 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Tempo. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Tempo. 1988 Ford Tempo has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Falcon has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Falcon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Tempo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Falcon | 1988 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Falcon | Tempo |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 357 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.3 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2540 mm |
