1999 BMW 323 vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda Montrose. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 387 kg more than 1979 Mazda Montrose. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1999 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (153 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda Montrose.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 323 | Montrose |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
