2006 Volkswagen Caddy vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Caddy 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 Volkswagen Caddy (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Caddy should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Caddy weights approximately 390 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 Volkswagen Caddy, 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 Volkswagen Caddy (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Caddy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Caddy has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Caddy will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mazda 626 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Caddy | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Caddy | 626 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2520 mm |
