1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2005 Volvo V50
To start off, 2005 Volvo V50 is newer by 24 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 2,401 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo V50 (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo V50 weights approximately 240 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.
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, 2005 Volvo V50, 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, 2005 Volvo V50 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang. 2005 Volvo V50 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. 2005 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 2005 Volvo V50 | |
Make | Ford | Volvo |
Model | Mustang | V50 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2401 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1425 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2800 mm |