1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1981 Chrysler Avenger
To start off, 1981 Chrysler Avenger is newer by 3 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 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Chrysler Avenger. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1981 Chrysler Avenger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1981 Chrysler Avenger. 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, 1978 Mazda 626 (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chrysler Avenger. (93 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chrysler Avenger. 1981 Chrysler Avenger has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Chrysler Avenger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1981 Chrysler Avenger | |
| Make | Mazda | Chrysler |
| Model | 626 | Avenger |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2500 mm |
