1956 Ford Consul vs. 1997 Mazda 323
To start off, 1997 Mazda 323 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda 323 (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1956 Ford Consul. (47 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda 323 weights approximately 126 kg more than 1956 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Consul 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 1956 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mazda 323, 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, 1997 Mazda 323 (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Consul. (124 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Consul | 1997 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Consul | 323 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1703 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1089 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2620 mm |
