2001 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 40 kg more than 2001 Ford Mustang.
Because 2001 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 2001 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2001 Ford Mustang (410 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Mustang | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
