1966 Ford Lotus Cortina vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 32 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), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Lotus Cortina | 323 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
