1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 13 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (130 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323, 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, 1989 Mazda 323 (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 323 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2510 mm |
