1998 Mazda 323 vs. 1971 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,768 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Monterey (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 825 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 1971 Mercury Monterey 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 1971 Mercury Monterey. 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, 1971 Mercury Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 323 | 1971 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 323 | Monterey |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 5768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3160 mm |
