2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Highlander 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 148 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (157 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 4 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
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, 2001 Toyota Highlander, 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 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2001 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Mustang | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2362 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1576 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 73 L |
