1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Ford Five Hundred
To start off, 2004 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 23 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Five Hundred (200 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 395 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, 2004 Ford Five Hundred, 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, 2004 Ford Five Hundred (266 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang. 2004 Ford Five Hundred 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. 2004 Ford Five Hundred will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 2004 Ford Five Hundred | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Mustang | Five Hundred |
Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2966 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5650 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 266 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 89.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1580 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5110 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1530 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3010 mm |