1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 2002 Mazda 6
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda 6 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Mirada. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 275 kg more than 2002 Mazda 6.
Because 1979 Dodge Mirada 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 1979 Dodge Mirada. 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, 1979 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 6. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 2002 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Mirada | 6 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2680 mm |
