1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1979 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 1979 Mazda RX-2 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1979 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda RX-2 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda RX-2 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 154 kg more than 1979 Mazda RX-2.
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, 1979 Mazda RX-2 (158 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda RX-2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1979 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2480 mm |
