1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 695 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 SLK (511 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 626 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 511 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
