1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1990 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1990 Ford Taurus is newer by 9 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 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Taurus (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Taurus weights approximately 219 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang. 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, 1990 Ford Taurus, 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, 1990 Ford Taurus (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 1990 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2700 mm |
