1974 Buick Centurion vs. 1990 Mazda 323
To start off, 1990 Mazda 323 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick Centurion (226 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1990 Mazda 323. (56 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Centurion should accelerate faster than 1990 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Centurion weights approximately 1090 kg more than 1990 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Buick Centurion 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 1974 Buick Centurion. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1974 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 384 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mazda 323. (114 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mazda 323. 1974 Buick Centurion has automatic transmission and 1990 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1990 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Buick Centurion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Centurion | 1990 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Centurion | 323 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2460 mm |
