1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1988 TVR S2
To start off, 1988 TVR S2 is newer by 10 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 2,933 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 TVR S2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 TVR S2 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 TVR S2 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1988 TVR S2.
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, 1988 TVR S2 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 TVR S2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1988 TVR S2 | |
| Make | Mazda | TVR |
| Model | 626 | S2 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2290 mm |
