1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 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), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (110 HP) has 56 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 38 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.
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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 110 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
