1977 Mazda 323 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1977 Mazda 323. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1178 kg more than 1977 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 331 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda 323. (69 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda 323. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1977 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1977 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mazda 323 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | S |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 983 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 812 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
