2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 3,698 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 175 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 Dodge Nitro (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Dodge Nitro | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
Make | Dodge | Ford |
Model | Nitro | Mustang |
Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3698 cc | 2294 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 207 HP | 87 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 235 Nm | 161 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1185 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2560 mm |