2010 Kia Soul vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2010 Kia Soul is newer by 32 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Kia Soul (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Kia Soul weights approximately 100 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, 2010 Kia Soul, 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, 2010 Kia Soul (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2010 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 2010 Kia Soul has manual transmission. 2010 Kia Soul 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:
| 2010 Kia Soul | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Soul | 626 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4105 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2520 mm |
