1981 Dodge Mirada vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 654 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 1981 Dodge Mirada 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 1981 Dodge Mirada. 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, 1981 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (164 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1981 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Dodge Mirada | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Mirada | 323 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2510 mm |
