1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 37 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA weights approximately 132 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.
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, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 48 L |
