1979 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Ford Fusion
To start off, 2008 Ford Fusion is newer by 29 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, 2008 Ford Fusion (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Fusion should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Mustang weights approximately 11 kg more than 2008 Ford Fusion.
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, 2008 Ford Fusion, 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, 2008 Ford Fusion (204 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Fusion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Mustang | 2008 Ford Fusion | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Fusion |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2490 mm |
