2009 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette 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 6,199 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 343 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 81 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 Chevrolet Corvette (575 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 414 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
Model | Corvette | Mustang |
Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6199 cc | 2294 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 430 HP | 87 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 575 Nm | 161 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 103.3 mm | 96.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1185 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2560 mm |