1988 Ford Mustang vs. 1986 Subaru XT
To start off, 1988 Ford Mustang is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Subaru XT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Subaru XT would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Subaru XT (134 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Subaru XT should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Mustang weights approximately 94 kg more than 1986 Subaru XT.
Because 1986 Subaru XT is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Subaru XT will offer significantly more control. 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, 1986 Subaru XT (196 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1986 Subaru XT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 1986 Subaru XT | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Mustang | XT |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2470 mm |
