2004 Mazda 2 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 2004 Mazda 2 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 2 (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 2 weights approximately 778 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 1600 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 1970 Volkswagen 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 2, 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 Mazda 2 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 2 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 2 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1788 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
