1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 14 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 23 more horse power than 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 140 kg more than 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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, 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier. (211 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Mustang | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2650 mm |
