1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Ford F-150
To start off, 2006 Ford F-150 is newer by 28 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 5,406 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford F-150 (300 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford F-150 weights approximately 425 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 2006 Ford F-150 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford F-150 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Ford F-150 (495 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2006 Ford F-150 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | F-150 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 5406 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 495 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 106 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3520 mm |
