2004 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2004 Ford Mustang. (211 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 198 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 CX-7, 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Mustang. (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Mustang. 2012 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 69 L |
