1979 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Mustang weights approximately 98 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm, 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, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Prizm will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Mustang. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ford Mustang | 2003 Chevrolet Prizm | |
Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
Model | Mustang | Prizm |
Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1794 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 169 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 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 | 1188 kg | 1090 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4430 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2470 mm |