1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 is newer by 35 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 6 (170 HP) has 116 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 6 weights approximately 484 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, 2011 Mazda 6, 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, 2011 Mazda 6 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2011 Mazda 6 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. 2011 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 6 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 170 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1839 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
