1980 Reliant GTC vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1980 Reliant GTC is newer by 2 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Reliant GTC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Reliant GTC (135 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Reliant GTC should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Reliant GTC weights approximately 120 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1980 Reliant GTC (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Reliant GTC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 1980 Reliant GTC has manual transmission. 1980 Reliant GTC will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mazda 626 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant GTC | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Reliant | Mazda |
| Model | GTC | 626 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2520 mm |
