1966 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 6,385 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford Mustang (320 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 31 kg more than 1966 Ford Mustang.
Because 1966 Ford Mustang 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 1966 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Mustang. (85 Nm). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Mustang. 1966 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1966 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Mustang | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Golf |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6385 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.9 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1179 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
