1985 Mazda 323 vs. 1974 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1985 Mazda 323 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda 323 (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Corona. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Toyota Corona weights approximately 60 kg more than 1985 Mazda 323.
Because 1974 Toyota Corona 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 1974 Toyota Corona. 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 (137 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Corona. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Corona. 1974 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 1985 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1985 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mazda 323 | 1974 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 323 | Corona |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
