2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 332 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 595 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corolla. 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 451 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1981 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Mustang | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
