1985 Mazda 323 vs. 1988 Volvo 440
To start off, 1988 Volvo 440 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 440 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1985 Mazda 323. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 440 weights approximately 90 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Volvo 440 (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda 323. (137 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 440 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mazda 323 | 1988 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 323 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2780 mm |
