1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Toyota Camry
To start off, 2004 Toyota Camry 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 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota Camry is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota Camry (161 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Camry should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Camry weights approximately 255 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 Toyota Camry, 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 Toyota Camry (220 Nm) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm). This means 2004 Toyota Camry will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2004 Toyota Camry | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Mustang | Camry |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2800 mm |
