1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Mazda 6
To start off, 2004 Mazda 6 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 6 (138 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 6 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Mazda 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 2004 Mazda 6 | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Mustang | 6 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 310 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1540 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2680 mm |