2009 Pontiac G8 vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2009 Pontiac G8 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac G8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac G8 (414 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 335 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac G8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Pontiac G8 weights approximately 159 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 Pontiac G8 (563 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Pontiac G8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Pontiac G8 | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | G8 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6200 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 563 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2520 mm |
