1971 Ford GT 40 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 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 330 kg more than 1971 Ford GT 40.
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) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford GT 40 | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | GT 40 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 980 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2560 mm |
