1978 Ford Mustang vs. 1990 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1990 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 12 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Thunderbird (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 385 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. 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, 1990 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 1990 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2786 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.9 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2880 mm |
