1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2005 Peugeot 407
To start off, 2005 Peugeot 407 is newer by 27 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Peugeot 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Peugeot 407 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Peugeot 407 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Peugeot 407 weights approximately 565 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, 2005 Peugeot 407, 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, 2005 Peugeot 407 (316 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Peugeot 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2005 Peugeot 407 | |
| Make | Mazda | Peugeot |
| Model | 626 | 407 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
