1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2005 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Polo 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 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Polo (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 80 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Polo.
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 Volkswagen Polo, 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 (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. (126 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2005 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Polo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2510 mm |
