2001 Ford Mustang vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2001 Ford Mustang is newer by 23 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Mustang (193 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Mustang weights approximately 417 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, 2001 Ford Mustang (306 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 2001 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2001 Ford Mustang 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:
| 2001 Ford Mustang | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 626 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1412 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
