1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1956 Rover P4
To start off, 1978 Mazda 626 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Rover P4 (108 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Rover P4 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Rover P4 weights approximately 491 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, 1956 Rover P4 (206 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1956 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1956 Rover P4 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. 1956 Rover P4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1956 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | 626 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 2638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 105 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1486 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2830 mm |
