2006 Mazda 2 vs. 1971 Ford Escort
To start off, 2006 Mazda 2 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 2 (67 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 2 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1971 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Ford Escort 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 1971 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Mazda 2 (160 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 2 | 1971 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | 2 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1399 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2400 mm |
