2009 Dodge Charger vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger (250 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Charger weights approximately 402 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, both vehicles can yield 339 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Charger | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Charger | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3518 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2560 mm |
