2002 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 24 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (167 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 402 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | E | 626 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
