1998 Mazda 323 vs. 1981 Porsche 930
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 930. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 930 would be higher. At 3,297 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 930 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 930 (296 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 930 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Porsche 930 weights approximately 205 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 1981 Porsche 930 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 1981 Porsche 930. 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, 1981 Porsche 930 (431 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Porsche 930 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 1981 Porsche 930 has manual transmission. 1981 Porsche 930 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 323 | 1981 Porsche 930 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | 323 | 930 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.4 mm | 74.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
