1997 Mazda 323 vs. 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2007 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 3,954 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Nissan Pathfinder (172 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 323. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 1035 kg more than 1997 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Nissan Pathfinder is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mazda 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2007 Nissan Pathfinder (403 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 323. (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 323. 2007 Nissan Pathfinder has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda 323 | 2007 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 323 | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2860 mm |
