1979 Ford Mustang vs. 1999 Mazda 626
To start off, 1999 Mazda 626 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda 626 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda 626 weights approximately 52 kg more than 1979 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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 Mustang (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda 626. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Mustang | 1999 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 626 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2680 mm |
