1983 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Dodge Intrepid
To start off, 1997 Dodge Intrepid is newer by 14 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 3,518 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Intrepid is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Intrepid (214 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1983 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Intrepid should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Intrepid weights approximately 320 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, 1997 Dodge Intrepid, 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, 1997 Dodge Intrepid (339 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Intrepid will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Mustang. 1997 Dodge Intrepid has automatic transmission and 1983 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1983 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Dodge Intrepid will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Mustang | 1997 Dodge Intrepid | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Mustang | Intrepid |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 3518 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 214 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5123 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2870 mm |
