1988 Ford Mustang vs. 2013 Nissan Z
To start off, 2013 Nissan Z is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Nissan Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Nissan Z (327 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan Z should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Nissan Z weights approximately 319 kg more than 1988 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, 2013 Nissan Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2013 Nissan Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 2013 Nissan Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Z |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 327 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1573 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1845 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2550 mm |
