1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2003 Toyota 4Runner
To start off, 2003 Toyota 4Runner 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 4,662 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota 4Runner (232 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota 4Runner should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota 4Runner weights approximately 965 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 2003 Toyota 4Runner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mazda 626. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota 4Runner will offer significantly more control. 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 Toyota 4Runner (434 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 2003 Toyota 4Runner 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 Toyota 4Runner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2003 Toyota 4Runner | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 626 | 4Runner |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 4662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2800 mm |
