1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2012 Mazda 5
To start off, 2012 Mazda 5 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 5 (157 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 5 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1973 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Ford Fairlane 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 1973 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 5, 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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (339 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 5. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2012 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fairlane | 5 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2751 mm |
