1998 Mazda 323 vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,467 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForFour (175 HP) has 101 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 57 kg more than 2006 Smart ForFour.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Smart ForFour (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 323 | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | 323 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1323 cc | 1467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
