2003 Ford Escape vs. 1997 Mazda 323
To start off, 2003 Ford Escape is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda 323 (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2003 Ford Escape. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Escape. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Escape weights approximately 261 kg more than 1997 Mazda 323.
Because 2003 Ford Escape is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mazda 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Escape 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, 1997 Mazda 323 (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Escape. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Escape | 1997 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escape | 323 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
