1989 Dodge Shadow vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1989 Dodge Shadow is newer by 11 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 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Dodge Shadow (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Shadow should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Dodge Shadow weights approximately 73 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. 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, 1989 Dodge Shadow, 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, 1989 Dodge Shadow (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (197 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Shadow will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Shadow | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Shadow | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1288 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2560 mm |
