1968 Ford Ranchero vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1981 Ford Mustang is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Ranchero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Ranchero would be higher. At 7,022 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Ford Ranchero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Ranchero (355 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Ranchero should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford Ranchero weights approximately 210 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang. 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, 1968 Ford Ranchero (651 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Ranchero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Ranchero | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ranchero | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7022 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2560 mm |
