1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman weights approximately 460 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.
Because 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mazda 626. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | 626 | Cooper Countryman |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1562 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2596 mm |
