1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1971 Vauxhall Firenza
To start off, 1978 Mazda 626 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Vauxhall Firenza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Vauxhall Firenza would be higher. At 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Vauxhall Firenza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Vauxhall Firenza (104 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Vauxhall Firenza should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1971 Vauxhall Firenza.
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 Vauxhall Firenza (159 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Vauxhall Firenza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1971 Vauxhall Firenza | |
| Make | Mazda | Vauxhall |
| Model | 626 | Firenza |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2470 mm |
