1987 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2003 Toyota Solara is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,437 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Solara (162 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1987 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Solara weights approximately 145 kg more than 1987 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Solara, 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 Toyota Solara (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Mustang | 2003 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Mustang | Solara |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2680 mm |
