1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1986 Nissan Sunny
To start off, 1986 Nissan Sunny is newer by 8 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 5 more horse power than 1986 Nissan Sunny. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1986 Nissan Sunny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1986 Nissan Sunny. 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, 1986 Nissan Sunny, 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Nissan Sunny. (122 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Nissan Sunny.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1986 Nissan Sunny | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 626 | Sunny |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
