2012 Toyota Prius V vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2012 Toyota Prius V 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 Toyota Prius V (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Prius V should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Prius V weights approximately 315 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 Toyota Prius V, 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, both vehicles can yield 142 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota Prius V | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Prius V | 626 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | CVT | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4615 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1775 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1575 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2779 mm | 2520 mm |
