1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Ford Zodiac (76 HP) has 2 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 206 kg more than 1989 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1961 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1961 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zodiac | 323 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
