1989 Mazda 323 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (110 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323.
Because 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (126 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda 323 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.4 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3080 mm |
