1969 Cadillac Calais vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1981 Ford Mustang is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Cadillac Calais. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Cadillac Calais would be higher. At 7,734 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Cadillac Calais is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Cadillac Calais (228 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Cadillac Calais should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Cadillac Calais weights approximately 720 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.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Cadillac Calais, 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, 1969 Cadillac Calais (710 Nm) has 378 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (332 Nm). This means 1969 Cadillac Calais will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Cadillac Calais | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | Calais | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7734 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 710 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2075 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5730 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2560 mm |
