2006 Kia Picanto vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2006 Kia Picanto 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 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2006 Kia Picanto. (64 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Picanto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Picanto weights approximately 1009 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, 2006 Kia Picanto, 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, 1978 Mazda 626 (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Picanto. (99 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Picanto. 2006 Kia Picanto 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 Picanto will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Picanto | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Picanto | 626 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1086 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2520 mm |
