1988 Ford Falcon vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 23 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, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1988 Ford Falcon. (161 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 170 kg more than 1988 Ford Falcon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Falcon. (311 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Falcon. 2011 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Falcon has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Falcon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Falcon | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Falcon | IS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3949 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2728 mm |
