1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Honda Accord
To start off, 2009 Honda Accord is newer by 28 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 3,469 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Accord (271 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 56 kg more than 2009 Honda Accord.
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, 2009 Honda Accord, 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, 2009 Honda Accord (344 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang. 2009 Honda Accord 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. 2009 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2009 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Mustang | Accord |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 3469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2810 mm |
