1997 Ford Mustang vs. 2010 Mazda CX-9
To start off, 2010 Mazda CX-9 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda CX-9 (273 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1997 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda CX-9 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda CX-9 weights approximately 576 kg more than 1997 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Mazda CX-9, 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, 2010 Mazda CX-9 (366 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda CX-9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Mustang. 2010 Mazda CX-9 has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda CX-9 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Mustang | 2010 Mazda CX-9 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | CX-9 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5075 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2875 mm |
