1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Jeep Wrangler
To start off, 2012 Jeep Wrangler is newer by 34 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), 2012 Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jeep Wrangler (285 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jeep Wrangler should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jeep Wrangler weights approximately 637 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 2012 Jeep Wrangler 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, 2012 Jeep Wrangler 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, 2012 Jeep Wrangler (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Jeep Wrangler will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2012 Jeep Wrangler | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Mustang | Wrangler |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2786 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1862 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3881 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1826 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2423 mm |
