2005 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mustang (444 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 324 more horse power than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mustang weights approximately 456 kg more than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 2012 Ford Mustang (515 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Cavalier | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1647 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 61 L |
