1971 Dodge Challenger vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1978 Ford Mustang is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Dodge Challenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Dodge Challenger would be higher. At 3,685 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Dodge Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Mustang (138 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1971 Dodge Challenger. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1971 Dodge Challenger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Dodge Challenger weights approximately 255 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang.
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, 1971 Dodge Challenger (233 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (197 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Dodge Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Dodge Challenger | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Challenger | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3685 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2560 mm |
