1972 Ford Mustang vs. 1961 Triumph TR3
To start off, 1972 Ford Mustang is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Triumph TR3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Triumph TR3 would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Mustang (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1961 Triumph TR3. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1961 Triumph TR3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Mustang weights approximately 547 kg more than 1961 Triumph TR3. 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, 1972 Ford Mustang (328 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Triumph TR3. (172 Nm @ 3350 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Triumph TR3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 1961 Triumph TR3 | |
| Make | Ford | Triumph |
| Model | Mustang | TR3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2138 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3350 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1451 kg | 904 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2240 mm |
