1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2008 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 32 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, 2008 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (107 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 101 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, 2008 Mazda CX-7, 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, 2008 Mazda CX-7 (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2008 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2008 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2258 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 69 L |
