1996 Ford Mustang vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 17 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 14 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen GTI.
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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI, 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Mustang | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | GTI |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2578 mm |
