1997 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV weights approximately 305 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV, 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV (270 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | GTV | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2560 mm |
