1989 Mazda 323 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 19 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 572 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (164 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda 323 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | E |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2860 mm |
