1971 Ford Cortina vs. 2006 Mazda 6
To start off, 2006 Mazda 6 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 6 (134 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1971 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 6 weights approximately 445 kg more than 1971 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 6, 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, 2006 Mazda 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Cortina | 2006 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 6 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 64 L |
