1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1994 Mazda MX-3
To start off, 1994 Mazda MX-3 is newer by 22 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 1,845 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Mazda MX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mazda MX-3 (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda MX-3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mazda MX-3 weights approximately 119 kg more than 1972 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Mazda MX-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, 1994 Mazda MX-3 (157 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Mazda MX-3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1994 Mazda MX-3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | MX-3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1163 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2460 mm |
