1986 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1986 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1986 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda 6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 will offer significantly more control. 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 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Mustang. 2003 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Mustang | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 6 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2620 mm |
