1988 Ford Tempo vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1988 Ford Tempo is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Mustang (138 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1988 Ford Tempo. (97 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 65 kg more than 1988 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Tempo, 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (197 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Tempo. (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Tempo | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Tempo | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2560 mm |
