2008 Ford E-350 vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2008 Ford E-350 is newer by 30 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 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford E-350 weights approximately 112 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, 2008 Ford E-350, 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, 2008 Ford E-350 (475 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2008 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford E-350 | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | E-350 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3510 mm | 2520 mm |
