2008 Ford Mustang vs. 1980 Ford Fairlane

To start off, 2008 Ford Mustang is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Mustang weights approximately 311 kg more than 1980 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Ford Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Fairlane. 1980 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Ford Mustang 1980 Ford Fairlane
Make Ford Ford
Model Mustang Fairlane
Year Released 2008 1980
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3998 cc 4093 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 210 HP 124 HP
Engine RPM 5300 RPM 3600 RPM
Torque 325 Nm 296 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 1800 RPM
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1715 kg 1404 kg
Vehicle Length 4770 mm 5020 mm
Vehicle Width 1890 mm 1870 mm
Vehicle Height 1390 mm 1400 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2950 mm