1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1999 Ford Focus
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 21 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Focus (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Focus weights approximately 20 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, 1999 Ford Focus, 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, 1999 Ford Focus (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1999 Ford Focus 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. 1999 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1999 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | 626 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 149 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 | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2620 mm |
