1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1984 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1984 Plymouth Horizon is newer by 6 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 31 more horse power than 1984 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1984 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1984 Plymouth Horizon. 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, 1984 Plymouth Horizon, 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 (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Plymouth Horizon. (117 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1984 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Mazda | Plymouth |
| Model | 626 | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2530 mm |
