1988 Ford Mustang vs. 1978 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 1988 Ford Mustang is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda RX-2 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-2 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Mustang weights approximately 294 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-2.
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, 1988 Ford Mustang (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 1978 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2480 mm |
