1996 Kia Retona vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1996 Kia Retona 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Kia Retona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1996 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1996 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Kia Retona weights approximately 875 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626.
Because 1996 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mazda 626. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Kia Retona will offer significantly more control. 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 Kia Retona (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Kia Retona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Kia Retona | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Retona | 626 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2520 mm |
