1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2010 BMW 323
To start off, 2010 BMW 323 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 323 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626.
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 323 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2010 BMW 323 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 626 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2770 mm |
