2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 260 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 80 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Mustang | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | Jetta |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4599 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 | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 556 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1400 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4557 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1781 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1504 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2578 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |