1977 BMW 320 vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1978 Mazda 626 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 320 (122 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1977 BMW 320.
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, 1977 BMW 320 (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 1977 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1977 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mazda 626 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 320 | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
