1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2013 Nissan Z
To start off, 2013 Nissan Z is newer by 35 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Nissan Z (327 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan Z should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Nissan Z weights approximately 203 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, 2013 Nissan Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2013 Nissan Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2013 Nissan Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Z |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 327 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1493 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1845 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2550 mm |
