1989 Mazda 323 vs. 1955 Morris Minor
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Morris Minor would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (110 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1955 Morris Minor. (30 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1955 Morris Minor.
Because 1955 Morris Minor 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 1955 Morris Minor. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Mazda 323 (126 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Morris Minor. (54 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda 323 | 1955 Morris Minor | |
| Make | Mazda | Morris |
| Model | 323 | Minor |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 54 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.4 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2190 mm |
