1975 Ford Cortina vs. 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1975 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 10 kg more than 1975 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Cortina | 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
