1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1972 Volvo 140
To start off, 1978 Mazda 626 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo 140. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo 140 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volvo 140 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volvo 140 (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volvo 140 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volvo 140 weights approximately 265 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, 1972 Volvo 140 (153 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1972 Volvo 140 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1972 Volvo 140 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 626 | 140 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2610 mm |
