2003 AC Cobra vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 AC Cobra is newer by 25 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 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 123 kg more than 2003 AC Cobra.
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, 2003 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | AC | Ford |
| Model | Cobra | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2560 mm |
