2006 Kia Sorento vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2006 Kia Sorento 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Sorento (192 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sorento weights approximately 1005 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 Sorento, 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 Sorento (294 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Sorento | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sorento | 626 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
