1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2007 Mazda 3
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 31 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda 3 (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 3 weights approximately 315 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, 2007 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, 2007 Mazda 3 (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2007 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
