1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Lexus IS
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 295 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2009 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Mustang | IS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2740 mm |
