1998 Mazda 323 vs. 1949 Morris Minor
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Morris Minor would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1949 Morris Minor. (27 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1949 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1949 Morris Minor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Morris Minor 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 1949 Morris Minor. 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 Mazda 323 (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Morris Minor. (53 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 323 | 1949 Morris Minor | |
| Make | Mazda | Morris |
| Model | 323 | Minor |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 916 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2190 mm |
