1990 Mazda 323 vs. 1981 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 1990 Mazda 323 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Patrol. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Patrol would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Patrol is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Patrol (94 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1990 Mazda 323. (56 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Patrol should accelerate faster than 1990 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 1095 kg more than 1990 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Nissan Patrol is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mazda 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Patrol will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 Nissan Patrol (215 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mazda 323. (114 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Patrol will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mazda 323 | 1981 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 323 | Patrol |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1720 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2980 mm |
