1998 Chevrolet Venture vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Venture 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 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Venture is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Venture (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Venture should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Venture weights approximately 750 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, 1998 Chevrolet Venture, 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, 1998 Chevrolet Venture (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Venture will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Venture | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Venture | 626 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2520 mm |
