1997 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Honda Element
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Mustang (590 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 424 more horse power than 2009 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 531 kg more than 1997 Ford Mustang.
Because 1997 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 1997 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element, 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 Ford Mustang (728 Nm) has 510 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Element. (218 Nm). This means 1997 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Element. 2009 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Mustang | 2009 Honda Element | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Mustang | Element |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5400 cc | 2353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 590 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 728 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2580 mm |
