1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (172 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 1053 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 2008 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (403 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2008 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 2238 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2860 mm |
