1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina.
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, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 48 L |
