1988 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 10 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), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 425 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, 1988 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 164 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 995 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 |
