1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2003 Saab 03-Sep 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 Saab 03-Sep (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 255 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 Saab 03-Sep, 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 Saab 03-Sep (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang. 2003 Saab 03-Sep 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 Saab 03-Sep will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2003 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | Mustang | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2680 mm |
