1996 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,655 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mustang. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 435 kg more than 2008 Nissan 350Z.
Because 1996 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 1996 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z, 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan 350Z. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan 350Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Mustang | 2008 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4655 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1112 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
