1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1992 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 1992 Oldsmobile 88 is newer by 14 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Oldsmobile 88 (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Oldsmobile 88 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 375 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, 1992 Oldsmobile 88, 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, 1992 Oldsmobile 88 (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1992 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1992 Oldsmobile 88 has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 Oldsmobile 88 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1992 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | Mazda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 626 | 88 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2820 mm |
