1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 2,382 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Pontiac Solstice weights approximately 144 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, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Pontiac Solstice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang. 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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. 2009 Pontiac Solstice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Mustang | 2009 Pontiac Solstice | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Mustang | Solstice |
Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2382 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 171 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 167 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1329 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2610 mm |