1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 878 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 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 2233 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5059 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2881 mm |
