1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2005 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2005 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 24 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2005 Hyundai Elantra. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2005 Hyundai Elantra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 635 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang.
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, 2005 Hyundai Elantra, 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Hyundai Elantra. (191 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2005 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Mustang | Elantra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2630 mm |
