1986 Buick Electra vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1986 Buick Electra is newer by 8 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Buick Electra (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Buick Electra weights approximately 485 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 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, 1986 Buick Electra, 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, 1986 Buick Electra (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1986 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1986 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1986 Buick Electra | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
Make | Buick | Mazda |
Model | Electra | 626 |
Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1768 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 93 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 150 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 995 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4310 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2520 mm |