1983 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander is newer by 25 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 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1983 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 199 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, 2008 Toyota Highlander, 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, 2008 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Mustang. 2008 Toyota Highlander 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. 2008 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Mustang | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Mustang | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 3546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1384 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2800 mm |
