1980 Chrysler 1609 vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chrysler 1609 would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mustang (444 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 343 more horse power than 1980 Chrysler 1609. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1980 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mustang weights approximately 547 kg more than 1980 Chrysler 1609. 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, 2012 Ford Mustang (515 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 371 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chrysler 1609. (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chrysler 1609.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chrysler 1609 | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chrysler | Ford |
| Model | 1609 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1812 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1647 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2720 mm |
