2009 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Ford Mustang is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Civic would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1997 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Civic weights approximately 204 kg more than 2009 Ford Mustang.
Because 2009 Ford Mustang is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Mustang | 1997 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Mustang | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1832 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
