1979 Ford Fairlane vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Fairlane (185 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 310 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Fairlane 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 Fairlane. 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, 1979 Ford Fairlane (344 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323. 1979 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fairlane | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fairlane | 323 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4940 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
