1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Honda Accord
To start off, 2003 Honda Accord 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Accord (187 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Accord weights approximately 271 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, 2003 Honda Accord, 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, 2003 Honda Accord (218 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2003 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Mustang | Accord |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2680 mm |
