2008 Honda Element vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2008 Honda Element 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 2,353 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 10 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 2008 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mazda 626. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Element | 626 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2353 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
