1987 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 443 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Chevrolet Corvette (454 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1987 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 1987 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette 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:
| 1987 Chevrolet Corvette | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | 626 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1438 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
