1998 Mazda 323 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (113 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 325 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 323 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
