1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1992 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1992 Ford Taurus is newer by 11 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Ford Taurus (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang.
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, 1992 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, 1992 Ford Taurus (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1992 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 | 1992 Ford Taurus | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Mustang | Taurus |
Year Released | 1981 | 1992 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 220 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 271 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 89.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2700 mm |