2001 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Mustang weights approximately 80 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Jetta, 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 (407 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Mustang | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
