2009 Audi R8 vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Audi R8 is newer by 28 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 5,204 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi R8 (518 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 431 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi R8 weights approximately 395 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 2009 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 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, 2009 Audi R8 (530 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 369 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi R8 | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | R8 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2560 mm |
