1984 Ford Mustang vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,292 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Mustang (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Mustang weights approximately 80 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1984 Ford Mustang (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Mustang | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Golf |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2470 mm |
