1988 Volkswagen Polo vs. 2013 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2013 Ford Mustang is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 5,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Ford Mustang (653 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 609 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Mustang weights approximately 978 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 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 2013 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2013 Ford Mustang (856 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 761 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Volkswagen Polo | 2013 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Polo | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1043 cc | 5800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 653 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 856 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 770 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 2035 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1438 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2720 mm |
