2004 Ford Fusion vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2004 Ford Fusion 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 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2004 Ford Fusion. (67 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Fusion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Fusion weights approximately 182 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626.
Because 1978 Mazda 626 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 1978 Mazda 626. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Fusion, 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, 2004 Ford Fusion (160 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Fusion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Fusion | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fusion | 626 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
