2004 BMW 325 vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2004 BMW 325 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 325 weights approximately 325 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 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 325 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 325 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 325 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 325 | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 325 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2520 mm |
