1969 Abarth 1300 vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1978 Mazda 626 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Abarth 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Abarth 1300 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Abarth 1300 (123 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Abarth 1300 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 534 kg more than 1969 Abarth 1300.
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, 1978 Mazda 626 (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Abarth 1300. (130 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Abarth 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Abarth 1300 | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 1300 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 636 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2520 mm |
