1969 Chevrolet Vega 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 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1969 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1969 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 10 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, 1969 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1969 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Chevrolet Vega | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Vega | 626 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2520 mm |
