1989 Mazda 323 vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Soarer (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (110 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Soarer should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323.
Because 1981 Toyota Soarer 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 1981 Toyota Soarer. 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, 1981 Toyota Soarer (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (126 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda 323 | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 323 | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2670 mm |
