1983 Ford Mustang vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1983 Ford Mustang is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (97 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1983 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Gran Torino should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 460 kg more than 1983 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Mustang | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2900 mm |
