1985 Mazda 323 vs. 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1985 Mazda 323 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 (180 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1985 Mazda 323. (72 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1506 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 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 (440 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda 323. (111 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mazda 323 | 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1944 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 5401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 5.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 2406 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1830 mm |
