1998 Mazda 323 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 14 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (71 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 416 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 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mazda 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (130 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 323 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 323 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
