1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 2003 Pontiac GTO 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 5,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac GTO (350 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 400 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 Pontiac GTO (495 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Mustang | 2003 Pontiac GTO | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Mustang | GTO |
Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4941 cc | 5664 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 350 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 339 Nm | 495 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 99 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4830 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2750 mm |