1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2010 Honda Accord

To start off, 2010 Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Honda Accord weights approximately 259 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 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, 2010 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, 2010 Honda Accord (344 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2010 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.

Compare all specifications:

1981 Ford Mustang 2010 Honda Accord
Make Ford Honda
Model Mustang Accord
Year Released 1981 2010
Body Type Coupe Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4942 cc 3500 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Horse Power 173 HP 271 HP
Engine RPM 3800 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 332 Nm 344 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 5000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1355 kg 1614 kg
Vehicle Length 4560 mm 4950 mm
Vehicle Width 1720 mm 1847 mm
Vehicle Height 1320 mm 1476 mm
Wheelbase Size 2560 mm 2799 mm