2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 400 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1140 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 S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 651 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | S | 626 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 801 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
