1971 Ford Mustang vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (330 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Mustang weights approximately 510 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Ford Mustang 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 1971 Ford Mustang. 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, 1971 Ford Mustang (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 369 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Mustang 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:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 323 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 503 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 78.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
