1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 28 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (232 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 785 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (540 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 398 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 626 | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3040 mm |
