2011 Honda Pilot vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2011 Honda Pilot is newer by 33 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Honda Pilot is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Honda Pilot (250 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Honda Pilot weights approximately 807 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, 2011 Honda Pilot, 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, 2011 Honda Pilot (343 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Honda Pilot will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Honda Pilot | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Pilot | 626 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1977 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4849 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1994 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1847 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2774 mm | 2520 mm |
