1976 Ford Falcon vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 6 (272 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1976 Ford Falcon. (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 146 kg more than 1976 Ford Falcon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Falcon 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 1976 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1976 Ford Falcon (422 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 6. (364 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 6. 2012 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Falcon has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Falcon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Falcon | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Falcon | 6 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1621 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2789 mm |
