1987 Ford Sierra vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Sierra (74 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (71 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1987 Ford Sierra.
Because 1987 Ford Sierra 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 1987 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (130 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Sierra. (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Sierra | 323 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2620 mm |
