1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 33 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 146 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, 2009 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2009 Mazda 3 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. 2009 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
