1996 Ford Mustang vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1996 Ford Mustang is newer by 18 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 205 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.
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 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Mustang | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2560 mm |
