1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2011 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2011 Ford Mustang is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Mustang (412 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 315 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (97 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Mustang weights approximately 42 kg more than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 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, 2011 Ford Mustang (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2011 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Gran Torino | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 412 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1687 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 61 L |
