1985 Mazda 323 vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1985 Mazda 323 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,720 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 56 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mazda 323 weights approximately 111 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 (107 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mazda 323 | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Mazda | Vauxhall |
| Model | 323 | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1720 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 107 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2400 mm |
