1996 AC Cobra vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1996 AC Cobra is newer by 18 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 AC Cobra weights approximately 31 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 1996 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1996 AC Cobra 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:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | AC | Mazda |
| Model | Cobra | 626 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2520 mm |
