2002 Mazda 626 vs. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2002 Mazda 626 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 628 kg more than 2002 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 626, 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, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 626. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 626. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 626 | 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | 626 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2950 mm |
