1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1999 Mazda Laputa
To start off, 1999 Mazda Laputa 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 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1999 Mazda Laputa. (53 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda Laputa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1999 Mazda Laputa. 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 Mazda Laputa, 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda Laputa. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda Laputa. 1999 Mazda Laputa 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 Mazda Laputa will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1999 Mazda Laputa | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 626 | Laputa |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 658 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 60.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2370 mm |
