1978 Ford LTD vs. 2012 Ford F-150
To start off, 2012 Ford F-150 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford LTD would be higher. At 5,763 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford F-150 (360 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1978 Ford LTD. (296 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford F-150 weights approximately 593 kg more than 1978 Ford LTD. 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, 1978 Ford LTD (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford F-150. (515 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford F-150.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford LTD | 2012 Ford F-150 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | LTD | F-150 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5763 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 2383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 3670 mm |
