1994 Mazda 323 vs. 1978 Mazda 929
To start off, 1994 Mazda 323 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 929 (90 HP) has 16 more horse power than 1994 Mazda 323. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 929 should accelerate faster than 1994 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 929 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1994 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Mazda 929 (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda 323. (103 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 929 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mazda 323 | 1978 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 323 | 929 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1322 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 90 HP |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2620 mm |
