1979 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 1997 Mazda 323
To start off, 1997 Mazda 323 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda 323 (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1979 Ford Crown Victoria. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 415 kg more than 1997 Mazda 323.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Crown Victoria. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1979 Ford Crown Victoria (263 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 323. (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 323. 1979 Ford Crown Victoria has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Crown Victoria will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Crown Victoria | 1997 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Crown Victoria | 323 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2620 mm |
