2006 Ford Freestar vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2006 Ford Freestar is newer by 28 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 3,898 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Freestar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Freestar (193 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Freestar should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Freestar weights approximately 545 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.
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, 2006 Ford Freestar, 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, 2006 Ford Freestar (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Freestar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 2006 Ford Freestar has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Ford Freestar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Freestar | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Freestar | 626 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3898 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2520 mm |
