1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 1988 Volvo 480 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 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 480 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 480 weights approximately 5 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.
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, 1988 Volvo 480, 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 480. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 626 | 480 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1719 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
