1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2012 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2012 Subaru Legacy 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 Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Legacy (170 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 539 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 Legacy 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 Legacy 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 Legacy (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2012 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | 626 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1534 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |
