2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2010 Volkswagen Golf

To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 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 260 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 134 kg more than 2010 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, 2010 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 (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen Golf.

Compare all specifications:

2003 Ford Mustang 2010 Volkswagen Golf
Make Ford Volkswagen
Model Mustang Golf
Year Released 2003 2010
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4601 cc 2000 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 400 HP 140 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 530 Nm 320 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 1750 RPM
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1492 kg 1358 kg
Vehicle Length 4630 mm 4201 mm
Vehicle Width 1900 mm 1786 mm
Vehicle Height 1300 mm 1481 mm
Wheelbase Size 2490 mm 2578 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 68 L 55 L