1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 BMW 330
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 27 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 2,991 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 415 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 BMW 330 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang. 2008 BMW 330 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. 2008 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2008 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Mustang | 330 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2770 mm |
