1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1978 Mazda 626 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 905 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 495 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | 626 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2520 mm |
