1966 Ford Lotus Cortina vs. 1997 Mazda 626
To start off, 1997 Mazda 626 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda 626 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina.
Because 1966 Ford Lotus 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 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mazda 626, 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, both vehicles can yield 145 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina | 1997 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Lotus Cortina | 626 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2620 mm |
