1981 Ford Cortina vs. 2010 Mazda 2
To start off, 2010 Mazda 2 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 2 (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Cortina weights approximately 40 kg more than 2010 Mazda 2.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Mazda 2 (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 2010 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cortina | 2 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 78.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 43 L |
