1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 19 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 72 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, 1997 Ford Contour, 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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1997 Ford Contour 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. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mazda 626 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | Mazda | Ford |
Model | 626 | Contour |
Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 79 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 142 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |