1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1995 Volvo 440
To start off, 1995 Volvo 440 is newer by 17 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, 1978 Mazda 626 (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1995 Volvo 440. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1995 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volvo 440 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626.
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, 1995 Volvo 440, 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Volvo 440. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Volvo 440.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1995 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 626 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
