2009 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Impala 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 Chevrolet Impala (211 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 259 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 1978 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 1978 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Impala, 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Impala. (290 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Impala | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Impala | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2560 mm |
