2012 Fiat Grande Punto vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2012 Fiat Grande Punto is newer by 34 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat Grande Punto (119 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat Grande Punto should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat Grande Punto weights approximately 60 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, 2012 Fiat Grande Punto, 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, 2012 Fiat Grande Punto (206 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat Grande Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 2012 Fiat Grande Punto has manual transmission. 2012 Fiat Grande Punto 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:
| 2012 Fiat Grande Punto | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Grande Punto | 626 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
