1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2010 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2010 Cadillac CTS is newer by 29 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, 2010 Cadillac CTS (304 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 402 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, 2010 Cadillac CTS (370 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2010 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2010 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Ford | Cadillac |
| Model | Mustang | CTS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 304 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5200 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 | 1757 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4867 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2880 mm |
