1979 Ford LTD vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 640 kg more than 1989 Mazda 323.
Because 1979 Ford LTD 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 LTD. 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, 1979 Ford LTD (332 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (164 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323. 1979 Ford LTD 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. 1979 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford LTD | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | LTD | 323 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
