1989 Mazda 323 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (74 HP) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1989 Mazda 323.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda 323 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | 200 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1324 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 29.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
