1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1996 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 1996 Plymouth Neon is newer by 18 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Plymouth Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Plymouth Neon (132 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Plymouth Neon should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Plymouth Neon weights approximately 114 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, 1996 Plymouth Neon, 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, 1996 Plymouth Neon (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Plymouth Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1996 Plymouth Neon 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. 1996 Plymouth Neon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mazda 626 | 1996 Plymouth Neon | |
Make | Mazda | Plymouth |
Model | 626 | Neon |
Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 93 HP | 132 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5850 RPM |
Torque | 150 Nm | 174 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4950 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1109 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4370 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2650 mm |