1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2012 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda 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 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 40 more horse power than 2012 Fiat Panda. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2012 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Fiat Panda, 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, 1978 Mazda 626 (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2012 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Mazda | Fiat |
| Model | 626 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1107 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2310 mm |
