1998 Mazda 323 vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Toyota Corona (96 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (71 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Corona should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Corona weights approximately 60 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 1978 Toyota Corona 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 1978 Toyota Corona. 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, 1978 Toyota Corona (163 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (130 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Toyota Corona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323. 1978 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 323 | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 323 | Corona |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2530 mm |
