1972 Ford Mustang vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 41 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1972 Ford Mustang. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Mustang weights approximately 75 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen GTI.
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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 1972 Ford Mustang (328 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | GTI |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1451 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2578 mm |
