1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 9 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626. 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 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. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 626 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
