1986 Ford Mustang vs. 1978 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1986 Ford Mustang is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Mustang (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Mustang weights approximately 365 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1986 Ford Mustang (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1986 Ford Mustang | 1978 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | Beetle |
Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 88 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2410 mm |