1979 Ford LTD vs. 1996 Mazda 626
To start off, 1996 Mazda 626 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford LTD (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 496 kg more than 1996 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford LTD 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 1979 Ford LTD. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 626, 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, 1979 Ford LTD (332 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626. 1979 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford LTD | 1996 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | LTD | 626 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2620 mm |
