1979 Mazda Montrose 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 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda Montrose is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda Montrose (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda Montrose should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda Montrose weights approximately 115 kg more than 1989 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mazda Montrose 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 Mazda Montrose. 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 Mazda Montrose (153 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (103 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda Montrose will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323. 1979 Mazda Montrose 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 Mazda Montrose will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda Montrose | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | Montrose | 323 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
