1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | Golf |
Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1594 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 101 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 148 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 77.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1175 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2590 mm |