1985 Mazda 323 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 18 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (305 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1985 Mazda 323. (56 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1985 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1284 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 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Mazda 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (411 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda 323. (107 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda 323. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg 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. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mazda 323 | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 323 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1720 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 107 Nm | 411 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2860 mm |
