2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 153 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 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 Volkswagen Golf, 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 (529 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Mustang | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | Golf |
Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4600 cc | 1968 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 400 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 529 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 95.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1478 kg | 1325 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2580 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |