1996 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1972 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,733 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1972 Ford Mustang. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 399 kg more than 1972 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, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Mustang. (328 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Mustang. 1996 Chevrolet Impala has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Impala | 1972 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Impala | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 328 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2780 mm |
