2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2008 Nissan Xterra 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Xterra. (261 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 190 kg more than 2008 Nissan Xterra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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 175 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Xterra. (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Xterra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2008 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 3953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
