2002 Mazda 6 vs. 1981 Honda Ballade
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda 6 (148 HP) has 81 more horse power than 1981 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 640 kg more than 1981 Honda Ballade. 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, 2002 Mazda 6 (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade. 1981 Honda Ballade has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda 6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Honda Ballade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 6 | 1981 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | 6 | Ballade |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2330 mm |
