1990 Ford Mustang vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1990 Ford Mustang. (105 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Mustang weights approximately 155 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323.
Because 1990 Ford Mustang 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 1990 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1990 Ford Mustang (183 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Mustang | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 323 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
