2009 Ford F-150 vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Ford F-150 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 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford F-150 (311 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 219 kg more than 2009 Ford F-150.
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 Ford F-150 (495 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang. 2009 Ford F-150 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 Ford F-150 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford F-150 | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | F-150 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5590 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3370 mm | 2560 mm |
