1972 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 2004 Pontiac GTO is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1972 Ford Mustang. (267 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 66 kg more than 1972 Ford Mustang. 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, 2004 Pontiac GTO (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Mustang. (417 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Mustang. 2004 Pontiac GTO has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Pontiac GTO will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 2004 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | GTO |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5753 cc | 5970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 417 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 70 L |
