1970 Honda S800 vs. 1985 Mazda 323
To start off, 1985 Mazda 323 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Honda S800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Honda S800 would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda 323 (75 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1970 Honda S800. (67 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1970 Honda S800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mazda 323 weights approximately 172 kg more than 1970 Honda S800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Honda S800 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 1970 Honda S800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Mazda 323 (117 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Honda S800. (67 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Honda S800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Honda S800 | 1985 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | S800 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 791 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 67 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 156 km/hour | 154 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 45 L |
