1974 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mustang (412 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 302 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 28 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Ford Mustang (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Impala. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Impala | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Impala | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 412 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1687 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2720 mm |
