1988 Volvo 480 vs. 2004 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (296 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 480. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 622 kg more than 1988 Volvo 480. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480, 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, 2004 Ford Mustang (427 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 480. (176 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 480. 2004 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1988 Volvo 480 has manual transmission. 1988 Volvo 480 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Volvo 480 | 2004 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Volvo | Ford |
| Model | 480 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2620 mm |
