1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 23 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 5 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. (88 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 120 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626.
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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 626 | A |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2600 mm |
