2009 Ford Fiesta vs. 1979 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Ford Fiesta is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Fiesta (89 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Mustang weights approximately 222 kg more than 2009 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2009 Ford Fiesta (185 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Fiesta | 1979 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2560 mm |
