1989 Mazda 323 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 (220 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (130 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323.
Because 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320. 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 (310 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda 323 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2680 mm |
