2009 Audi R8 vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Audi R8 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 4,163 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi R8 (414 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi R8 weights approximately 350 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 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 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, 2009 Audi R8 (430 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (197 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi R8 | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | R8 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2560 mm |
