1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 30 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 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (107 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina.
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, 2006 Mazda 3, 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, 1976 Ford Cortina (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
