2009 Alfa Romeo GT vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo GT is newer by 31 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 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo GT (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo GT should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo GT weights approximately 445 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo GT, 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo GT (306 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 2009 Alfa Romeo GT has manual transmission. 2009 Alfa Romeo GT 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:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo GT | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | GT | 626 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
