1987 Ford Tempo vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1987 Ford Tempo 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 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Tempo (89 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Tempo should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1987 Ford Tempo.
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 Ford Tempo, 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 Ford Tempo (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Tempo | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Tempo | 626 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2520 mm |
