1989 Dodge Daytona vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1989 Dodge Daytona is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1989 Dodge Daytona. (141 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1989 Dodge Daytona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Dodge Daytona weights approximately 19 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Daytona, 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Dodge Daytona. (232 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Dodge Daytona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Daytona | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Daytona | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2972 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2560 mm |
