1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2011 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2011 Ford Mustang 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Mustang (412 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Mustang weights approximately 332 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 Ford Mustang (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 2011 Ford Mustang | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Mustang | Mustang |
Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 412 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 332 Nm | 528 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1687 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4778 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1877 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2720 mm |