1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 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 74 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 86 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Because 2000 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1441 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2520 mm |
