1996 Ford Mustang vs. 2005 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 9 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Polo (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 330 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Polo.
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, 2005 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. (115 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Mustang | 2005 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1423 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1060 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
