Time to Crunch Some Numbers

 

Here is a link to the specifications on a 1990 Ford Mustang GT (that’s the earliest year they have listed, not much changed from 1987 to 1990 except airbags). http://www.edmunds.com/used/1990/ford/mustang/5378/specs.html . So here is if you are in a hurry.

 

Edmunds Type: Compact Coupe

Where Built: United States

EPA Class: Subcompact Cars

Dimensions

Exterior

Length: 179.6 in.

Width: 68.3 in.

Height: 52.1 in.

Wheel Base: 100.5 in.

Curb Weight: 2827 lbs.

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 8

Base Engine Size: 5 liters

Base Engine Type: V8

Horsepower: 225 hp

Max Horsepower: 4200 rpm

Torque: 300 ft-lbs.

Max Torque: 3200 rpm

Drive Type: RWD

Turning Circle: 41.2 ft.

 

Now compare that to a 1990 Nissan 240SX SE (2 Door Hatch). http://www.edmunds.com/used/1990/nissan/240sx/1546/specs.html

 

Edmunds Type: Compact Coupe

Where Built: Japan

EPA Class: Mini Compact Cars

Dimensions

Exterior

Length: 178 in.

Width: 66.5 in.

Height: 50.8 in.

Wheel Base: 97.4 in.

Ground Clearance: 4.3 in.

Curb Weight: 2684 lbs.

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 4

Base Engine Size: 2.4 liters

Base Engine Type: Inline 4

Horsepower: 140 hp

Max Horsepower: 5600 rpm

Torque: 152 ft-lbs.

Max Torque: 4400 rpm

Drive Type: RWD

Turning Circle: 30.8 ft.

 

Or compare it to a 1990 Nissan 240SX XE (2 Door with trunk). http://www.edmunds.com/used/1990/nissan/240sx/1548/specs.html

 

Edmunds Type: Compact Coupe

Where Built: Japan

EPA Class: Mini Compact Cars

Dimensions

Exterior

Length: 178 in.

Width: 66.5 in.

Height: 50.8 in.

Wheel Base: 97.4 in.

Ground Clearance: 4.3 in.

Curb Weight: 2728 lbs.

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 4

Base Engine Size: 2.4 liters

Base Engine Type: Inline 4

Horsepower: 140 hp

Max Horsepower: 5600 rpm

Torque: 152 ft-lbs.

Max Torque: 4400 rpm

Drive Type: RWD

Turning Circle: 30.8 ft.

 

Comparing the Mustang to the 240SX you will notice a lot of similarities such as weight. The Mustang in stock form weighs only 99 pounds more than the XE, is 2 inches taller, and 1 inch longer, 2 inches wider, and a wheel base that is 3 inches longer, and lastly, both Ford and Nissan can be found in coupe or hatch form. That’s where the similarities end.

 

With the lighter Nissan (SE trim) you have a stock power to weight ratio of 19.17 pounds to each horse where in the Mustang you have 12.56 pounds to every horse. There is a pretty big difference now. Torque is what throws you back in the seat and gets those wheels breaking loose and the Mustang has no shortage of that either with 9.42 pounds to every foot-pound of torque compared to the 240’s 17.66 pound to every foot pound.

 

The advantage that the 240 has over the Mustang is the turning circle. The Nissan has much more steering angle and so it can turn better also allowing for better angle while drifting. The other advantage it has which is only a matter of opinion is the power band of the import engine that allows it to rev quicker and the power band is much higher. The domestic engines make their peak torque very low in the rev range which in my opinion is harder to control. It’s more of a challenge and I guess that’s why I like it. Everything that is main stream is usually the easiest way to do something and that’s why I have avoided the 240’s like a plague. I don’t expect everyone to understand my ranting but I hope this provides a little more insight into my vehicle choice and my personality. After all, you are what you drive! Like a picture being worth a thousand words you vehicle says volumes about who you are and what you do.