1984 Vauxhall Astra vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1984 Vauxhall Astra 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 34 more horse power than 1984 Vauxhall Astra. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1984 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1984 Vauxhall Astra. 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 Vauxhall Astra, 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Vauxhall Astra. (89 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Vauxhall Astra. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 1984 Vauxhall Astra has manual transmission. 1984 Vauxhall Astra 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:
| 1984 Vauxhall Astra | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Mazda |
| Model | Astra | 626 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
