2004 Ford Mustang vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 696 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 2004 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
