1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Ford Excursion
To start off, 2003 Ford Excursion is newer by 22 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 5,954 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Excursion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Excursion (321 HP @ 3300 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Excursion should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Excursion weights approximately 2185 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 2003 Ford Excursion 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, 2003 Ford Excursion 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, 2003 Ford Excursion (759 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 598 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Excursion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang. 2003 Ford Excursion 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. 2003 Ford Excursion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2003 Ford Excursion | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Excursion |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 5954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 759 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 3370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3490 mm |
