2009 Acura RL vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Acura RL is newer by 31 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, 2009 Acura RL (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Acura RL weights approximately 562 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 2009 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura RL will offer significantly more control. 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 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Acura RL. (271 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura RL | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Acura | Ford |
| Model | RL | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3664 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1852 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2560 mm |
