1997 Mazda 323 vs. 2012 Audi A5
To start off, 2012 Audi A5 is newer by 15 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 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Audi A5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A5 (261 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 323. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A5 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A5 weights approximately 545 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 2012 Audi A5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mazda 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A5 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, 2012 Audi A5 (330 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 323. (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda 323 | 2012 Audi A5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Audi |
| Model | 323 | A5 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4623 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1382 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2751 mm |
