1995 Dodge Spirit vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1995 Dodge Spirit is newer by 17 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Spirit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Dodge Spirit (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Spirit should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Spirit weights approximately 84 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, 1995 Dodge Spirit, 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, 1995 Dodge Spirit (183 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Spirit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Spirit | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Spirit | 626 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
