2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 615 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.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | C | 626 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
