2004 Ford Mustang vs. 1989 Toyota Corolla

To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (211 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1989 Toyota Corolla. (90 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 505 kg more than 1989 Toyota Corolla. 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, 1989 Toyota Corolla, 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 (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota Corolla. (136 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota Corolla. 1989 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2004 Ford Mustang 1989 Toyota Corolla
Make Ford Toyota
Model Mustang Corolla
Year Released 2004 1989
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4009 cc 1587 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 3 valves
Horse Power 211 HP 90 HP
Engine RPM 5250 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 310 Nm 136 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 3600 RPM
Engine Bore Size 100.4 mm 85 mm
Engine Stroke Size 84.4 mm 70 mm
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1520 kg 1015 kg
Vehicle Length 4770 mm 4200 mm
Vehicle Width 1880 mm 1660 mm
Vehicle Height 1410 mm 1370 mm
Wheelbase Size 2840 mm 2440 mm