1998 Kia Potentia vs. 1985 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Kia Potentia is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1985 Mazda 323. (72 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 1985 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Kia Potentia weights approximately 565 kg more than 1985 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Kia Potentia 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 Kia Potentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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 Kia Potentia (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda 323. (111 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Kia Potentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Kia Potentia | 1985 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Potentia | 323 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1640 mm |
