1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 31 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 7,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (505 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 332 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 85 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (637 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Mustang | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 7000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 505 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 637 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2685 mm |
