1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2004 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2004 Toyota Corolla is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota Corolla (90 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2004 Toyota Corolla.
Because 1978 Mazda 626 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 1978 Mazda 626. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Corolla, 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, 1978 Mazda 626 (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota Corolla. (128 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2004 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 626 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2610 mm |
