2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1996 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mondeo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mondeo 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 277 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mondeo. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 340 kg more than 1996 Ford Mondeo. 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, 1996 Ford Mondeo, 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 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Mondeo. (160 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1996 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1322 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 62 L |
