1984 Ford Fairlane vs. 1997 Mazda 323
To start off, 1997 Mazda 323 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda 323 (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1984 Ford Fairlane. (131 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 415 kg more than 1997 Mazda 323.
Because 1984 Ford Fairlane 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 1984 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1984 Ford Fairlane (305 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 323. (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 323. 1984 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Fairlane | 1997 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fairlane | 323 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
