For the train motor component alone, this performs similarly as the old Power Function (PF) train motor (88002). However, take note that this is NOT compatible with the power function battery box -- you will need to purchase the new more expensive Powered Up (PU) battery box (88009) or hub (88006) and get the appropriate bluetooth remote control or download the phone/tablet app.
This will work with the recent City train sets (holiday, Maersk, passenger, cargo, emerald night, etc.) and tracks, but not the older 9-volt systems. Also, this does not come with the axles and train wheels, so you might have to source them from your existing sets or extra parts. The wheels suffer from track slippage so if your engine is not heavy enough, you will get that annoying slippage and friction sound. An option is to mount the battery hub on top of this motor, which will challenge your creativity. Fortunately, you won't need the IR receiver since it is already built in to the hub that this motor connects to, so no need to worry much with the wires.
I also noticed that this motor is slightly slower than the old PF motor, but not too much, which is fine because going at full speed on curves will make the train fly and derail off the tracks. The port plugs don't have clips, so they slip out of the hub if they are not secured.
I will not go through the debate of Power Function vs. Powered Up on this review, but if you decide to go with the latter route, this is a direct and exact size/shape replacement for the old motor.
Powered UPLEGO®6261456