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 (194 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 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 241 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, 2011 BMW 325 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Mustang | 325 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| 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 | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2770 mm |
