1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1974 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1974 Mazda RX-3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,962 cc, 1974 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mazda RX-3 (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mazda RX-3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 95 kg more than 1974 Mazda RX-3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1974 Mazda RX-3 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Mazda RX-3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1974 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1962 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
