2006 Kia Cerato vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2006 Kia Cerato 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Cerato (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Cerato should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Cerato weights approximately 830 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 Kia Cerato, 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 Kia Cerato (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Cerato will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 2006 Kia Cerato 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 Kia Cerato will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Cerato | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Cerato | 626 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
