1989 Mazda 323 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 7 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 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 323 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (66 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1310 kg more than 1989 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 469 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (101 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Mazda 323 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 323 | S |
Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1324 cc | 5985 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 66 HP | 389 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 101 Nm | 570 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 2180 kg |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1890 mm |