1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 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 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 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.
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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1307 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 Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.6 mm |
| 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 | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 61 L |
