1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Mazda Tribute
To start off, 2009 Mazda Tribute is newer by 31 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 2,786 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda Tribute (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 325 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 2009 Mazda Tribute 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, 2009 Mazda Tribute 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, 2009 Mazda Tribute (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2009 Mazda Tribute | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | Tribute |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2786 cc | 2483 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2630 mm |
