2002 Ford Fiesta vs. 1985 Mazda 323
To start off, 2002 Ford Fiesta is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda 323 (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2002 Ford Fiesta. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 180 kg more than 1985 Mazda 323.
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, 1985 Mazda 323 (137 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Fiesta. (99 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Fiesta | 1985 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | 323 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2410 mm |
