2008 Ford Fiesta vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2008 Ford Fiesta is newer by 12 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 4,655 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 402 kg more than 2008 Ford Fiesta. 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, 2008 Ford Fiesta, 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 (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (204 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Fiesta | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1559 cc | 4655 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1547 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
