1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1980 Volvo 265
To start off, 1980 Volvo 265 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 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 265. (82 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 265 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626.
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, 1978 Mazda 626 (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 265. (145 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1980 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 626 | 265 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 2315 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2660 mm |
