1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 11 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 2,463 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 (204 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 325 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 626 | 190 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 2463 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
