1988 Ford Mustang vs. 1989 Saab 9000
To start off, 1989 Saab 9000 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 Saab 9000 (226 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 9000 weights approximately 206 kg more than 1988 Ford Mustang. 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, 1989 Saab 9000, 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, 1989 Saab 9000 (351 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 1989 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | Mustang | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2680 mm |
