1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2002 Acura RSX
To start off, 2002 Acura RSX is newer by 21 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, 2002 Acura RSX (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura RSX should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura RSX weights approximately 37 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, 2002 Acura RSX, 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, 2002 Acura RSX (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Acura RSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang. 2002 Acura RSX has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Acura RSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 2002 Acura RSX | |
Make | Ford | Acura |
Model | Mustang | RSX |
Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 191 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1222 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4380 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2540 mm |