1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2006 Mazda 6
To start off, 2006 Mazda 6 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 6 (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Because 1973 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 1973 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 (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 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 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2006 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 6 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 50 L |
