1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 30 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, 2011 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 325 weights approximately 320 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 2011 BMW 325 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, 2011 BMW 325 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 325. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Mustang | 325 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2770 mm |
