1978 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 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 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 90 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 380 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Mustang | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | W12 |
Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 4941 cc | 5600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | W |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 420 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 339 Nm | 719 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90.3 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1930 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1110 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2550 mm |