1996 Ford Mustang vs. 2010 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2010 Ford Fiesta is newer by 14 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, 2010 Ford Fiesta (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 253 kg more than 2010 Ford Fiesta.
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, 2010 Ford Fiesta, 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 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Ford Fiesta. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Mustang | 2010 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1137 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2490 mm |
