1985 Mazda 323 vs. 1959 Morris Minor
To start off, 1985 Mazda 323 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Morris Minor would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda 323 (75 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1959 Morris Minor. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1959 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mazda 323 weights approximately 57 kg more than 1959 Morris Minor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Morris Minor 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 1959 Morris Minor. 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, 1985 Mazda 323 (117 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Morris Minor. (66 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mazda 323 | 1959 Morris Minor | |
| Make | Mazda | Morris |
| Model | 323 | Minor |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 66 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 62.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
