1972 Ford Capri vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1972 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 153 kg more than 1972 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Capri 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 1972 Ford Capri. 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Capri. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Capri 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:
| 1972 Ford Capri | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Capri | 323 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1305 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
