1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Taunus (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (71 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Taunus should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Taunus weights approximately 10 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Taunus 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 1976 Ford Taunus. 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, 1976 Ford Taunus (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (130 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Taunus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taunus | 323 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2620 mm |
