1997 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 15 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 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1997 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mustang weights approximately 237 kg more than 1997 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Ford Mustang (379 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Mustang | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Mustang | Mustang |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3795 cc | 3700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 143 HP | 305 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 298 Nm | 379 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1627 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4778 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1877 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1425 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |