1977 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 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 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 63 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 48 L |
