1972 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,090 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1972 Ford Mustang. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Mustang weights approximately 206 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1972 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 1972 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Mustang. (254 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4090 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 159 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 55 L |
