1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2010 BMW 125
To start off, 2010 BMW 125 is newer by 32 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), 2010 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 125 weights approximately 590 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, 2010 BMW 125 (271 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 2010 BMW 125 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. 2010 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2010 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 626 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
