1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus
To start off, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (150 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus.
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, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus | |
| Make | Mazda | Talbot |
| Model | 626 | Sunbeam-Lotus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2420 mm |
