1976 Ford Fiesta vs. 1988 Mazda 323
To start off, 1988 Mazda 323 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,323 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mazda 323 (66 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mazda 323 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1976 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Mazda 323 (101 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (65 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Fiesta | 1988 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | 323 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2410 mm |
