1996 Ford Mustang vs. 2011 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2011 Toyota Highlander is newer by 15 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, 2011 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 400 kg more than 1996 Ford Mustang. 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, 2011 Toyota Highlander, 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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Toyota Highlander. 2011 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Mustang | 2011 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Mustang | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2789 mm |
