2003 Mazda 6 vs. 1978 Toyota Corona

To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (86 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 348 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1978 Toyota Corona 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 1978 Toyota Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Mazda 6 (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona. 1978 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2003 Mazda 6 1978 Toyota Corona
Make Mazda Toyota
Model 6 Corona
Year Released 2003 1978
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1999 cc 1588 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 138 HP 86 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5800 RPM
Torque 181 Nm 130 Nm
Torque RPM 4500 RPM 3400 RPM
Engine Bore Size 87.5 mm 85 mm
Engine Stroke Size 83.1 mm 70 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 9.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1320 kg 972 kg
Vehicle Length 4690 mm 4300 mm
Vehicle Width 1790 mm 1660 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2620 mm 2530 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 64 L 61 L