1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1996 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 20 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 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 123 kg more than 1996 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Mazda 121, 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, 1976 Ford Cortina (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1996 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 121 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2460 mm |
