2009 Ford Escape vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2009 Ford Escape 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 2,486 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Escape (151 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 29 kg more than 2009 Ford Escape.
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 Ford Escape, 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, 1978 Mazda 626 (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Escape. (136 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Escape | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escape | 626 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2486 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
