1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Forester (170 HP) has 91 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Forester weights approximately 354 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 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester (236 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 2012 Subaru Forester has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | 626 | Forester |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 170 HP |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2616 mm |
