2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte 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 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 227 more horse power than 2012 Kia Forte. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 157 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte. 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, 2012 Kia Forte, 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 302 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte. 2012 Kia Forte 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 Kia Forte will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Mustang | 2012 Kia Forte | |
Make | Ford | Kia |
Model | Mustang | Forte |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 400 HP | 173 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 530 Nm | 228 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1492 kg | 1335 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4341 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1775 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1461 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2649 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 52 L |