2004 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 26 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 585 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, 2004 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 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:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
