1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 35 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 151 kg more 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, 2008 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 3 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 Weight | 1040 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
