2006 Mazda 2 vs. 1981 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2006 Mazda 2 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 2 (79 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corona. (68 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 2 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Toyota Corona. 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 (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corona. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corona. 1981 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 2 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 2 | 1981 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 2 | Corona |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2530 mm |
