2001 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 6 (272 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2001 Ford Mustang. (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 413 kg more than 2001 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Ford Mustang. 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, 2001 Ford Mustang (410 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 6. (364 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 6. 2012 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 2001 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2001 Ford Mustang 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:
| 2001 Ford Mustang | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 6 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1208 kg | 1621 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
