1988 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2003 Ford Mustang. (188 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 128 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (373 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Mustang. 2003 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1988 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Corvette | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 3801 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1538 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
