1983 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,001 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 674 kg more than 1989 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1983 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (164 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1983 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323. 1983 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Chevrolet Caprice | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Caprice | 323 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5001 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.9 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
