1981 Ford Granada 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 Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 2,548 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Granada (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1985 Mazda 323. (72 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Granada should accelerate faster than 1985 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Granada weights approximately 535 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 1981 Ford Granada 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 Ford Granada. 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, 1981 Ford Granada (152 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda 323. (111 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Granada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Granada | 1985 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Granada | 323 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2548 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1640 mm |
