1989 Ford Mustang vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1989 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 126 kg more than 1989 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Mustang | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2578 mm |
