1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Lexus ES
To start off, 2012 Lexus ES 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus ES is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus ES (268 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus ES should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus ES weights approximately 450 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 Lexus ES, 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, 2012 Lexus ES (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus ES will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang. 2012 Lexus ES has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lexus ES will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2012 Lexus ES | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Mustang | ES |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2776 mm |
