2001 Mazda 323 vs. 2006 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2006 Porsche Cayman is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 2,686 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Porsche Cayman (242 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2001 Mazda 323. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Porsche Cayman weights approximately 80 kg more than 2001 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Porsche Cayman 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 2006 Porsche Cayman. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2006 Porsche Cayman (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda 323. (167 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda 323 | 2006 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | 323 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
