2004 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta

To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 3,931 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (200 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 13 kg more than 2004 Ford Mustang.

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 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, 2004 Ford Mustang (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.

Compare all specifications:

2004 Ford Mustang 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Make Ford Volkswagen
Model Mustang Jetta
Year Released 2004 2012
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3931 cc 2000 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 200 HP 115 HP
Engine RPM 5250 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 310 Nm 169 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 4000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual 5-speed manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1387 kg 1400 kg
Vehicle Length 4770 mm 4644 mm
Vehicle Width 1880 mm 1778 mm
Vehicle Height 1390 mm 1482 mm
Wheelbase Size 2720 mm 2651 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 61 L 55 L