1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2011 Kia Soul 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Soul (122 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 9 kg more than 2011 Kia Soul.
Because 1978 Mazda 626 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mazda 626. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Kia Soul, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Kia Soul (156 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mazda 626 | 2011 Kia Soul | |
Make | Mazda | Kia |
Model | 626 | Soul |
Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 79 HP | 122 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 142 Nm | 156 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1161 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4105 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1786 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1610 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2550 mm |