1977 Ford Cortina vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 561 kg more than 1977 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (171 Nm) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (140 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Cortina | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1671 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2270 mm |
