2000 Lexus IS vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2000 Lexus IS is newer by 22 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Lexus IS weights approximately 405 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, 2000 Lexus IS (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2000 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Lexus IS | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Lexus | Mazda |
| Model | IS | 626 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2520 mm |
