1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1978 Mazda 626 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1302. (38 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1302. 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, 1978 Mazda 626 (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1302. (87 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1970 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 626 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
