2009 Jeep Patriot vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2009 Jeep Patriot 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Jeep Patriot is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jeep Patriot (172 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Patriot should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jeep Patriot weights approximately 873 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 Jeep Patriot, 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 Jeep Patriot (224 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Jeep Patriot 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 Jeep Patriot has manual transmission. 2009 Jeep Patriot 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 Jeep Patriot | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Jeep | Mazda |
| Model | Patriot | 626 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2043 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2520 mm |
