2008 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Mustang weights approximately 491 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2008 Ford Mustang (435 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2009 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Mustang | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
