1977 Mazda 323 vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 31 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1977 Mazda 323. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 768 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, 2008 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda 323. (69 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda 323. 2008 BMW 318 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. 2008 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mazda 323 | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 323 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 983 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 812 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 63 L |
