1970 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (95 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1970 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3, 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, 2004 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Cortina | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 3 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 61 L |
