1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2002 Mazda 6
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 26 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda 6 (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 311 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, 2002 Mazda 6, 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, 2002 Mazda 6 (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2002 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 6 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 64 L |
