1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Equinox weights approximately 350 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 1981 Ford Mustang is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Equinox.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2012 Chevrolet Equinox | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Mustang | Equinox |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2858 mm |
