1990 Mazda 323 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 2,949 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1990 Mazda 323. (74 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1990 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 660 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (540 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 436 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mazda 323. (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mazda 323. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1990 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1990 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mazda 323 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | C |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1324 cc | 2949 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
