1986 Ford Sierra vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 6 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1986 Ford Sierra. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 396 kg more than 1986 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Ford Sierra 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 1986 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Mazda 6 (165 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Sierra. (143 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Sierra. 2012 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Sierra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Sierra | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Sierra | 6 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1014 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2789 mm |
