2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 615 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (230 Nm) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm). This means 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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:
| 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 626 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2520 mm |
