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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 68 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Taunus 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:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taunus | 323 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
