1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2005 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2005 Toyota Highlander 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 2,358 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Highlander (160 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 516 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 2005 Toyota Highlander 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, 2005 Toyota Highlander 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, 2005 Toyota Highlander (224 Nm) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm). This means 2005 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2005 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Mustang | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2358 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 224 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 | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1701 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2860 mm |
