1998 Mazda 323 vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 830 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 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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, 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 323 | 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Mazda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 323 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3230 mm |
