1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 161 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 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (285 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 626 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
