02' v6 Mustang or 09' v6 Mustang?

Question

1) Which car will win in a quarter mile?

2) Which car will win in an eighth of a mile?

Answer 1

The '09 Mustang will outperform the '02. The horsepower/torque specifications are as follows:

2002  Horsepower 193@5500 RPM

         Torque         225@2750 RPM

         Curb weight  3113 lbs

2009  Horsepower 210@5300 RPM

         Torque        240@3500 RPM

         Curb Weight 3351 lbs

The curb weight for each vehicle is roughly the same. The 4.0L in the 2009 has a higher horsepower and torque rating than its 3.8L predecessor. The 2009 has a higher HP to weight ratio as well. In proving ground tests, the current design mustang outperformed the previous platform in acceleration and handling by a wider margin than most would care to admit. However, In further testing it was discovered that drag limited the vehicle was not able to achieve a speed much over 125 mph, furthermore the newer design was not stable enough to perform an evasive maneuver at speeds in excess of 115 mph. The vehicle was then limited to a top speed of 112.5 mph for safe measure. It's predecessor was capable of drag limited speeds of 130 mph, and was stable enough to perform an evasive maneuver at speeds of 120 mph. This vehicle had the top speed limited to 115 mph. It was determined that the reason for the vast difference in overall drag limited top speed was the variance in drag coefficient between the two vehicles.  

Answer 2

Probably the 2009 will win by a nose in both 1/4 and 1/8 mile. The problem with the 05-09 Mustangs is they are heavier than the 99-04 models. If you take the 02 and modify it even slightly, it'll probably be even with the newer Mustang.