2007 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 175 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (140 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. 1996 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2007 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2007 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Volkswagen Golf | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
