1988 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 Subaru Rex
To start off, 1988 Ford Mustang is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Subaru Rex. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Subaru Rex would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Mustang (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1981 Subaru Rex. (31 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Subaru Rex. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Mustang weights approximately 699 kg more than 1981 Subaru Rex. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Subaru Rex, 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, 1988 Ford Mustang (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Subaru Rex. (43 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Subaru Rex.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 1981 Subaru Rex | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Mustang | Rex |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 43 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2260 mm |
