2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Dodge Durango
To start off, 2012 Dodge Durango 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Durango is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2012 Dodge Durango. (360 HP @ 5150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2012 Dodge Durango. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Durango weights approximately 848 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Durango. (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Durango. 2012 Dodge Durango 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 Dodge Durango will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2012 Dodge Durango | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Mustang | Durango |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5150 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 2328 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5075 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1925 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1801 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3043 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 93 L |
