1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2006 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2006 Toyota Celica 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Toyota Celica (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Toyota Celica weights approximately 223 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, 2006 Toyota Celica, 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, 2006 Toyota Celica (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2006 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 626 | Celica |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2610 mm |
