1996 Mazda MPV vs. 2012 Ford Flex
To start off, 2012 Ford Flex is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MPV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MPV would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Flex is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Flex (262 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MPV. (114 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Flex should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MPV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Flex weights approximately 238 kg more than 1996 Mazda MPV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mazda MPV 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 1996 Mazda MPV. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Flex, 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 Ford Flex (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MPV. (277 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Flex will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MPV. 2012 Ford Flex has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda MPV has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda MPV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Flex will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda MPV | 2012 Ford Flex | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MPV | Flex |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 2028 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5126 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2995 mm |
