1981 Mazda 323 vs. 1970 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1981 Mazda 323 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1981 Mazda 323. (53 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 800 kg more than 1981 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1970 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda 323. (79 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda 323 | 1970 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 323 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1069 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2860 mm |
