2001 Acura CL vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2001 Acura CL is newer by 23 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura CL (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura CL weights approximately 290 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, 2001 Acura CL, 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Acura CL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura CL | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Acura | Ford |
| Model | CL | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2560 mm |
