1980 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,837 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Ford Escort 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 1980 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Mazda 6 (244 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | 6 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |
