1978 Ford Mustang vs. 1983 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1983 Ford Fiesta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,786 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Mustang (108 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 510 kg more than 1983 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Mustang is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mustang (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 1983 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2786 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.9 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 55.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2300 mm |
