1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1987 Mazda 626
To start off, 1987 Mazda 626 is newer by 6 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 626. (146 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 35 kg more than 1987 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 626, 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 626. (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 1987 Mazda 626 | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Mustang | 626 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1987 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 332 Nm | 182 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1320 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2580 mm |