1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1990 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1990 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 12 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 2,616 cc, 1990 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 305 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, 1990 Mazda RX-7 (270 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1990 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1990 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 626 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2430 mm |
