1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 34 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 305 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (298 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 626 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2497 mm |
