2001 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 11 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 3,801 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2001 Ford Mustang. (187 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Mustang weights approximately 19 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
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, 2012 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, 2001 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Mustang | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | GTI |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3801 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| 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 | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1412 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
