1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1961 MG MGA
To start off, 1981 Ford Mustang is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 MG MGA would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1961 MG MGA. (106 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1961 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 455 kg more than 1961 MG MGA. 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 MG MGA. (141 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 1961 MG MGA | |
| Make | Ford | MG |
| Model | Mustang | MGA |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2390 mm |
