1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2002 Mazda 6
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 6. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 195 kg more than 2002 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 6. (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 6. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda 6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Ford Thunderbird | 2002 Mazda 6 | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Thunderbird | 6 |
Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 130 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 317 Nm | 188 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1425 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2680 mm |