2004 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 219 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
