1971 Jensen SP 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 Jensen SP. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Jensen SP would be higher. At 7,206 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Jensen SP is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Jensen SP (385 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 306 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Jensen SP should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Jensen SP weights approximately 613 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, 1971 Jensen SP (557 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 415 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Jensen SP will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1971 Jensen SP has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Jensen SP will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Jensen SP | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Jensen | Mazda |
| Model | SP | 626 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7206 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 557 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1783 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
