1968 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 234 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort.
Because 1968 Ford Escort 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 1968 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1968 Ford Escort (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 1968 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1968 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | 323 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 871 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
