1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 9 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 195 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 164 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
