1996 Ford Mustang vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,655 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 442 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Mustang | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | Golf |
Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4655 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 386 Nm | 172 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1105 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4148 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1735 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2512 mm |