2004 Ford Falcon vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Falcon (220 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Falcon weights approximately 169 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2004 Ford Falcon (357 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Falcon has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Falcon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Falcon | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Falcon | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 357 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
