1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1988 Mazda 626
To start off, 1988 Mazda 626 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,789 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mazda 626 weights approximately 156 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124.
Because 1972 Fiat 124 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Mazda 626, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1972 Fiat 124 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda 626. (134 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1988 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 124 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1122 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2580 mm |
