2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda 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 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat Panda weights approximately 145 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626.
Because 2009 Fiat Panda 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, 2009 Fiat Panda 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, 2009 Fiat Panda (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Panda | 626 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
