1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2007 Mazda 6
To start off, 2007 Mazda 6 is newer by 26 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 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda 6 (212 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 369 kg more than 2007 Mazda 6.
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, 2007 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, 2007 Mazda 6 (267 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang. 2007 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2007 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 6 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 816 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2680 mm |
