1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Mazda MPV
To start off, 1997 Mazda MPV is newer by 16 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 27 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MPV. (146 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MPV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda MPV weights approximately 367 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MPV. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MPV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 1997 Mazda MPV | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | MPV |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1722 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2850 mm |
