2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1978 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Cherry 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 330 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 600 kg more than 1978 Nissan Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Cherry, 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 454 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (102 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1978 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Cherry |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2400 mm |
