1970 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 39 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, 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (145 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (97 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 552 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, 2009 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 3 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1998 cc |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
