1978 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Nissan 400 R
To start off, 1997 Nissan 400 R is newer by 19 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 2,768 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan 400 R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan 400 R (400 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan 400 R should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan 400 R weights approximately 335 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.
Because 1997 Nissan 400 R is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Nissan 400 R will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Nissan 400 R (471 Nm) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (197 Nm). This means 1997 Nissan 400 R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 1997 Nissan 400 R | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | 400 R |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2300 cc | 2768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2720 mm |
