1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 29 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 49 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1065 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 61 L |
