1958 Ford Zodiac vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1978 Ford Mustang is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Mustang (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1958 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 98 kg more than 1958 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Zodiac | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Zodiac | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2550 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2560 mm |
