1981 Mercedes-Benz G vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G is newer by 3 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 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mercedes-Benz G is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G (125 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 710 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 1981 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mazda 626. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G 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, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G (193 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercedes-Benz G will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 1981 Mercedes-Benz G has manual transmission. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G 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:
| 1981 Mercedes-Benz G | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | G | 626 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
