1971 Ford Mustang vs. 1986 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1986 Ford Mustang is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (330 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1986 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Mustang weights approximately 430 kg more than 1986 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, 1971 Ford Mustang (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 1986 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 503 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2560 mm |
