1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Mazda 121
To start off, 1997 Mazda 121 is newer by 21 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, 1997 Mazda 121 (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 123 kg more than 1997 Mazda 121.
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, 1997 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 121. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1997 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 121 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 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 |
