2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 576 kg more than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Horizon, 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1981 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Mustang | Horizon |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1576 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2530 mm |
