1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1971 Opel Commodore
To start off, 1978 Mazda 626 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Opel Commodore (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Opel Commodore should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Opel Commodore weights approximately 175 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, 1971 Opel Commodore (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1971 Opel Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1971 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | 626 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2680 mm |
