1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 22 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. 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, 1998 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 323 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
