1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Nova 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 (444 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 336 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mustang weights approximately 157 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. 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, 2012 Ford Mustang (515 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Nova | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1647 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2720 mm |
