1986 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (71 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort.
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, 1986 Ford Escort (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (130 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | 323 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 21.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
