1957 Ford Escort vs. 1977 Mazda 323
To start off, 1977 Mazda 323 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Mazda 323 (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1957 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Ford Escort weights approximately 5 kg more than 1977 Mazda 323.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1957 Ford Escort (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda 323. (69 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1957 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Escort | 1977 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | 323 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 812 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 40 L |
