2008 Cadillac CTS vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2008 Cadillac CTS is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac CTS (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 205 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Cadillac CTS is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac CTS will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Cadillac CTS. (263 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac CTS | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | CTS | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2560 mm |
