2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 255 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 364 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Mustang | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Mustang | Mustang |
Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4599 cc | 2786 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 400 HP | 108 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 556 Nm | 192 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 92.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 68.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1225 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 |