1999 Mazda 626 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1999 Mazda 626 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda 626 (101 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda 626 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1999 Mazda 626 (224 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda 626 | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 626 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
