2006 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Mustang weights approximately 1462 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 2006 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 2006 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, 2006 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Mustang | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
