1996 Ford Mustang vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta

To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 11 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 111 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 177 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta.

Compare all specifications:

1996 Ford Mustang 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
Make Ford Volkswagen
Model Mustang Jetta
Year Released 1996 2007
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4655 cc 1896 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 215 HP 104 HP
Engine RPM 4400 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 386 Nm 250 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 1900 RPM
Engine Bore Size 90.3 mm 79.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 89.9 mm 95.5 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.0:1 19.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Diesel
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1547 kg 1370 kg
Vehicle Length 4620 mm 4560 mm
Vehicle Width 1830 mm 1790 mm
Vehicle Height 1360 mm 1470 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2580 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 55 L