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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 135 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 330 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (300 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 150 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2770 mm |
