1974 Ford Fairlane vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1974 Ford Fairlane. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 40 kg more than 1974 Ford Fairlane. 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Fairlane. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Fairlane | 2003 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fairlane | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1492 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2490 mm |
