1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1998 Ford Laser
To start off, 1998 Ford Laser is newer by 20 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (128 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Laser weights approximately 30 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, 1998 Ford Laser, 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, 1998 Ford Laser (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1998 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | 626 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2620 mm |
