1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1989 Plymouth Laser
To start off, 1989 Plymouth Laser is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang 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 40 more horse power than 1989 Plymouth Laser. (133 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1989 Plymouth Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 125 kg more than 1989 Plymouth Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Plymouth Laser, 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Plymouth Laser. (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Plymouth Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 1989 Plymouth Laser | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Mustang | Laser |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2480 mm |
