1988 Fiat Tipo vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1988 Fiat Tipo 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 1,927 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Fiat Tipo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1988 Fiat Tipo. (91 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat Tipo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Fiat Tipo weights approximately 115 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626.
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 Fiat Tipo, 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 Fiat Tipo (190 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1988 Fiat Tipo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 1988 Fiat Tipo has manual transmission. 1988 Fiat Tipo 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:
| 1988 Fiat Tipo | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Tipo | 626 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1927 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2520 mm |
