1984 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 6 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 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33. (78 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mazda 626 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 1978 Mazda 626. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33, 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, 1978 Mazda 626 (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33. (114 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 33 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
