1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 5,751 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Gran Torino should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 696 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.
Because 1972 Ford Gran Torino 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 Gran Torino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (374 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (164 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323. 1972 Ford Gran Torino has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Gran Torino | 323 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5751 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1742 kg | 1046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 50 L |
