1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 31 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), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (154 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 230 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (231 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 626 | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| 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 | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2770 mm |
