1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 25 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, 2006 Hyundai Elantra (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 265 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, 2006 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, 2006 Hyundai Elantra (235 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2006 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Mustang | Elantra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2620 mm |
