1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1978 Mazda 626 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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, 1978 Mazda 626 (150 Nm) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Spider | 626 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1287 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
