1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1980 Seat Ritmo
To start off, 1980 Seat Ritmo is newer by 2 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 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 16 more horse power than 1980 Seat Ritmo. (63 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1980 Seat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1980 Seat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mazda 626 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mazda 626. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Seat Ritmo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Seat Ritmo. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Seat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1980 Seat Ritmo | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | 626 | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2460 mm |
