1986 Dodge Charger vs. 1971 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1986 Dodge Charger is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (330 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1986 Dodge Charger. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1986 Dodge Charger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Mustang weights approximately 565 kg more than 1986 Dodge Charger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Dodge Charger, 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, 1971 Ford Mustang (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Dodge Charger. (117 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Dodge Charger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Dodge Charger | 1971 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Charger | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 503 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2780 mm |
