1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 34 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 3 weights approximately 187 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, 2010 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, 2010 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1301 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
