1997 Acura NSX vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1997 Acura NSX is newer by 19 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Acura NSX (272 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Acura NSX weights approximately 145 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, 1997 Acura NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Acura NSX | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Acura | Ford |
| Model | NSX | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 272 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2560 mm |
