1998 Mazda 323 vs. 1968 Mercury Montclair
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Montclair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Montclair would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Montclair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Montclair (267 HP) has 193 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Montclair should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Montclair weights approximately 943 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 1968 Mercury Montclair 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 1968 Mercury Montclair. 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, 1968 Mercury Montclair (546 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 437 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Montclair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 323 | 1968 Mercury Montclair | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 323 | Montclair |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1324 cc | 6393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 267 HP |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 546 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1998 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3130 mm |
