2002 Ford Falcon vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2002 Ford Falcon is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Falcon (221 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Falcon weights approximately 160 kg more than 1981 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, 2002 Ford Falcon (357 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Falcon | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Falcon | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 357 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2560 mm |
