2006 Ford Fiesta vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 2006 Ford Fiesta is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2006 Ford Fiesta. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 100 kg more than 1989 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, 1989 Mazda 323 (216 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Fiesta. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Fiesta | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | 323 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2460 mm |
