2005 Scion xA vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2005 Scion xA is newer by 27 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, 2005 Scion xA (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Scion xA should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2005 Scion xA.
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, 2005 Scion xA, 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, both vehicles can yield 142 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 2005 Scion xA has manual transmission. 2005 Scion xA 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:
| 2005 Scion xA | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Scion | Mazda |
| Model | xA | 626 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1495 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2520 mm |
