2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 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 Mazda RX-8 (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
Make | Mazda | Mazda |
Model | RX-8 | 626 |
Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1970 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 79 HP |
Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 142 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4310 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |