1957 Rover P4 vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1978 Mazda 626 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,230 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1957 Rover P4. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1957 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Rover P4 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626.
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, 1957 Rover P4 (153 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1957 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 1957 Rover P4 has manual transmission. 1957 Rover P4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mazda 626 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Rover P4 | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Rover | Mazda |
| Model | P4 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2230 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2520 mm |
