1981 Mazda 323 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Mazda 323. (53 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 674 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda 323. (79 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda 323 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1069 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2940 mm |
