1995 Mazda MX-3 vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1995 Mazda MX-3 is newer by 19 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 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (107 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1995 Mazda MX-3. (106 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda MX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 31 kg more than 1995 Mazda MX-3. 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, 1995 Mazda MX-3, 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, 1976 Ford Cortina (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-3. (134 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-3. 1976 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 1995 Mazda MX-3 has manual transmission. 1995 Mazda MX-3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mazda MX-3 | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-3 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1059 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 54 L |
