1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2002 Mazda 6
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Mustang (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 6. (119 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Mustang. 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 6. (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2002 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 6 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2680 mm |
