1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2001 Mazda 323
To start off, 2001 Mazda 323 is newer by 25 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda 323 (124 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda 323 weights approximately 106 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, 2001 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, 2001 Mazda 323 (167 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 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 | 2001 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 323 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
