1980 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1985 Mazda 323
To start off, 1985 Mazda 323 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1985 Mazda 323. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1985 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 780 kg more than 1985 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1980 Chevrolet Caprice (334 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda 323. (137 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda 323. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1985 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1985 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chevrolet Caprice | 1985 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Caprice | 323 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.9 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
