2009 BMW 120 vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 355 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, 2009 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
