1988 Ford Mustang vs. 1989 Rover 216
To start off, 1989 Rover 216 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Rover 216 (114 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Rover 216 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Mustang weights approximately 174 kg more than 1989 Rover 216.
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, 1989 Rover 216, 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Rover 216. (141 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Rover 216.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 1989 Rover 216 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Mustang | 216 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2550 mm |
