2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 271 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. (129 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 34 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. 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 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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 (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. (217 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 2835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
