1996 Mazda 121 vs. 1970 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford Cortina (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Ford Cortina weights approximately 21 kg more than 1996 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 121, 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, 1970 Ford Cortina (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1970 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121. 1970 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda 121 has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda 121 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 121 | 1970 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | 121 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1064 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2590 mm |
