1971 Ford Zephyr vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 6 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 6 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1971 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Ford Zephyr 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 1971 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6, 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, 2011 Mazda 6 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Zephyr | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zephyr | 6 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1839 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2789 mm |
