1996 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 16 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 258 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 2012 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 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Mustang | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2470 mm |
