1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Honda Accord

To start off, 2003 Honda Accord 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 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Accord (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Accord weights approximately 288 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, 2003 Honda Accord, 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, 2003 Honda Accord (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.

Compare all specifications:

1978 Ford Mustang 2003 Honda Accord
Make Ford Honda
Model Mustang Accord
Year Released 1978 2003
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2294 cc 2204 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 87 HP 138 HP
Engine RPM 4800 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 161 Nm 340 Nm
Torque RPM 2800 RPM 2000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Diesel
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1185 kg 1473 kg
Vehicle Length 4560 mm 4670 mm
Vehicle Width 1720 mm 1770 mm
Vehicle Height 1320 mm 1450 mm
Wheelbase Size 2560 mm 2680 mm