1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2005 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2005 Toyota Tacoma 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 3,950 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Tacoma (245 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 650 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma (382 Nm) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm). This means 2005 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang. 2005 Toyota Tacoma 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. 2005 Toyota Tacoma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2005 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Mustang | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 3950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3250 mm |
