1978 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Mazda 2
To start off, 2009 Mazda 2 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 2 (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Cortina weights approximately 150 kg more than 2009 Mazda 2.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 2, 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, 1978 Ford Cortina (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 2. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Cortina | 2009 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 2 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2500 mm |
