1978 Ford Mustang vs. 1998 Panoz AIV
To start off, 1998 Panoz AIV is newer by 20 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 110 kg more than 1998 Panoz AIV.
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, 1998 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 1998 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Mustang | AIV |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2650 mm |
