1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Holden Statesman
To start off, 2003 Holden Statesman is newer by 25 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), 2003 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Holden Statesman (229 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Holden Statesman weights approximately 540 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, 2003 Holden Statesman (375 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang. 2003 Holden Statesman 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. 2003 Holden Statesman will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2003 Holden Statesman | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Mustang | Statesman |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2950 mm |
