1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2011 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2011 Fiat Panda is newer by 33 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 34 more horse power than 2011 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2011 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2011 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Fiat Panda 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, 2011 Fiat Panda 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, 1978 Mazda 626 (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2011 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Mazda | Fiat |
| Model | 626 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 70.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2310 mm |
