1987 Citroen AX vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1987 Citroen AX 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Citroen AX (85 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Citroen AX should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 448 kg more than 1987 Citroen AX.
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 Citroen AX, 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 (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen AX. (115 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen AX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen AX | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | AX | 626 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1358 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 722 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2520 mm |
