1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 38 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 3 (113 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina.
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, 2010 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, 2010 Mazda 3 (270 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
