1988 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 Triumph TR7
To start off, 1988 Ford Mustang is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Triumph TR7 would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Triumph TR7 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Triumph TR7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Mustang weights approximately 209 kg more than 1981 Triumph TR7.
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 Ford Mustang (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Triumph TR7. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 1981 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Ford | Triumph |
| Model | Mustang | TR7 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2170 mm |
