1979 Ford Mustang vs. 1971 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1979 Ford Mustang is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Mustang (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Mustang weights approximately 138 kg more than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1979 Ford Mustang (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Mustang | 1971 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2700 mm |
