1998 Mazda 323 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (296 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 673 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (464 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 331 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 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. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 323 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | 560 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 464 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.4 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2850 mm |
