1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2009 Subaru Legacy 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 2,455 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Legacy (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 448 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 2009 Subaru Legacy 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, 2009 Subaru Legacy 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, 2009 Subaru Legacy (231 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang. 2009 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2009 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Mustang | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 89.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1633 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2680 mm |
