2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Audi R8
To start off, 2012 Audi R8 is newer by 9 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 5,200 cc (10 cylinders), 2012 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi R8 (560 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2003 Ford Mustang. (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Mustang.
Because 2012 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi R8 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi R8. (539 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi R8. 2012 Audi R8 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. 2012 Audi R8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2012 Audi R8 | |
| Make | Ford | Audi |
| Model | Mustang | R8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 5200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 560 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1267 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 75 L |
