1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster weights approximately 75 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 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 Mini Cooper Roadster, 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster 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 Roadster | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | 626 | Cooper Roadster |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| 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 | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1389 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2466 mm |
