1998 BMW M vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, both 1998 BMW M and 1998 Mazda 323 were released in the same year (1998). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW M (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW M weights approximately 345 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW M 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 1998 BMW M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 BMW M (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW M has manual transmission. 1998 BMW M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW M | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M | 323 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
