1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Lexus RX
To start off, 2006 Lexus RX 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 3,314 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Lexus RX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lexus RX (226 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lexus RX should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lexus RX weights approximately 355 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, 2006 Lexus RX, 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, 2006 Lexus RX (323 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Lexus RX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang. 2006 Lexus RX 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. 2006 Lexus RX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2006 Lexus RX | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Mustang | RX |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 3314 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 323 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2720 mm |
