2009 Ford Flex vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2009 Ford Flex 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 3,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Flex is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Flex (262 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex 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 Flex.
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 Flex, 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 Ford Flex (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Flex will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 2009 Ford Flex 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 Ford Flex will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Flex | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Flex | 626 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2520 mm |
