2005 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Mustang weights approximately 14 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2005 Ford Mustang (335 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Mustang | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1387 kg | 1373 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
