2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2008 Ford Fiesta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang 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 (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (263 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 415 kg more than 2008 Ford Fiesta. 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, 2008 Ford Fiesta, 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 384 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fiesta. 2008 Ford Fiesta has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Fiesta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2008 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1492 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
