1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1990 Saab 900
To start off, 1990 Saab 900 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 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Saab 900 (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Saab 900 weights approximately 115 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 Saab 900, 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 Saab 900 (181 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 1990 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | Mustang | 900 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2530 mm |
