2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1988 Honda Civic
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic 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 (390 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 301 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 812 kg more than 1988 Honda Civic. 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, 1988 Honda Civic, 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 (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 416 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1988 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Mustang | Civic |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
