1996 Nissan R 390 GT1 vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1996 Nissan R 390 GT1 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 3,493 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Nissan R 390 GT1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Nissan R 390 GT1 (550 HP) has 457 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Nissan R 390 GT1 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626.
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 Nissan R 390 GT1 (637 Nm) has 487 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm). This means 1996 Nissan R 390 GT1 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 Nissan R 390 GT1 has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan R 390 GT1 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 Nissan R 390 GT1 | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | R 390 GT1 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3493 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 550 HP | 93 HP |
| Torque | 637 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
