1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
To start off, 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 is newer by 38 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 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 (263 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 weights approximately 539 kg more than 1973 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3, 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, 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 (379 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | MazdaSpeed3 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4511 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
