1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 24 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 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura CL weights approximately 395 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 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, 2002 Acura CL, 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, 2002 Acura CL (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang. 2002 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Mustang | 2002 Acura CL | |
Make | Ford | Acura |
Model | Mustang | CL |
Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 3210 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 260 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6900 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 315 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1580 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2580 mm |