1997 Mazda 323 vs. 2012 Infiniti M
To start off, 2012 Infiniti M 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Infiniti M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Infiniti M (330 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 323. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Infiniti M should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Infiniti M weights approximately 620 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 Infiniti M 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 Infiniti M 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 Infiniti M (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 323. (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Infiniti M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 323. 2012 Infiniti M 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. 2012 Infiniti M will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda 323 | 2012 Infiniti M | |
| Make | Mazda | Infiniti |
| Model | 323 | M |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4945 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1514 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2901 mm |
