1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2003 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2003 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 25 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Saab 03-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Saab 03-Sep (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 660 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, 2003 Saab 03-Sep, 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, 2003 Saab 03-Sep (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 2003 Saab 03-Sep 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. 2003 Saab 03-Sep will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2003 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Mazda | Saab |
| Model | 626 | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2680 mm |
