1972 Ford Torino 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 Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Torino would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1972 Ford Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Torino weights approximately 709 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323.
Because 1972 Ford 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 Torino. 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, 1972 Ford Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Torino 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 Torino | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Torino | 323 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1837 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5380 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
