1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (306 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1230 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 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg (410 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 626 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2860 mm |
