1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 21 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf, 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2578 mm |
