1988 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 13 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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Mustang weights approximately 149 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf, 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 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 | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2512 mm |
