2009 Cadillac CTS vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Cadillac CTS 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 3,175 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac CTS (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 605 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.
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, 2009 Cadillac CTS (300 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac CTS | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | CTS | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3175 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 96.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2560 mm |
