1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2008 Suzuki Jimny
To start off, 2008 Suzuki Jimny is newer by 30 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 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2008 Suzuki Jimny. (85 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2008 Suzuki Jimny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Suzuki Jimny weights approximately 235 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626.
Because 2008 Suzuki Jimny 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, 2008 Suzuki Jimny 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, 2008 Suzuki Jimny (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2008 Suzuki Jimny will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2008 Suzuki Jimny | |
| Make | Mazda | Suzuki |
| Model | 626 | Jimny |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2260 mm |
