1981 Ford Escort vs. 1985 Mazda 323
To start off, 1985 Mazda 323 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,720 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Escort (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1985 Mazda 323. (56 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1985 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mazda 323 weights approximately 12 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Escort (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda 323. (107 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1985 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | 323 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
