1983 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus is newer by 20 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Taurus (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1983 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 292 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, 2003 Ford Taurus, 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, 2003 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Mustang. 2003 Ford Taurus 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. 2003 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1983 Ford Mustang | 2003 Ford Taurus | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Mustang | Taurus |
Year Released | 1983 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2967 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 88 HP | 155 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 244 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3950 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
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 | 1477 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3030 mm |