1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1987 Mazda 323
To start off, 1987 Mazda 323 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 323. (66 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 323 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
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 Fiesta (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 323. (101 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1987 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | 323 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
