1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2010 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2010 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 32 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Buick LaCrosse (280 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 668 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, 2010 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2010 Buick LaCrosse (351 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2010 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang. 2010 Buick LaCrosse 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. 2010 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2010 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Ford | Buick |
| Model | Mustang | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1853 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2837 mm |
