1996 Ford Ka vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Ka would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 6 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 576 kg more than 1996 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ka | 6 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 70 L |
