1978 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Crown Victoria (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (110 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Crown Victoria should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323.
Because 1978 Ford Crown Victoria 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 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1978 Ford Crown Victoria (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (126 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Crown Victoria | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Crown Victoria | 323 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2510 mm |
