1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (177 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 470 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, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (217 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Mazda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 626 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2740 mm |
