1996 AC Cobra vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1996 AC Cobra is newer by 7 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda 323 weights approximately 52 kg more than 1996 AC Cobra.
Because 1996 AC Cobra 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 1996 AC Cobra. 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, 1996 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 415 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (164 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | AC | Mazda |
| Model | Cobra | 323 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1078 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2510 mm |
