2004 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 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 2004 Ford Mustang. (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 103 kg more than 2004 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 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, 2004 Ford Mustang (411 Nm) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 6. (364 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 6 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 411 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1621 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
