1965 Ford Cortina vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (110 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1965 Ford Cortina. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1965 Ford Cortina.
Because 1965 Ford Cortina 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 1965 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323, 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, 1989 Mazda 323 (126 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Ford Cortina. (90 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Ford Cortina | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 323 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58.1 mm | 78.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2510 mm |
