1983 Ford Mustang vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1988 Saab 9000 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1983 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1983 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000, 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (290 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Mustang | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | Mustang | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2670 mm |
