1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Polo 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 Polo (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Polo.
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 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1978 Mazda 626 (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. (126 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2005 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 626 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2590 mm |
