1998 BMW 320 vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 20 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 2,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 330 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, 1998 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2169 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
