1976 Mazda 1000 vs. 1996 Mazda 626
To start off, 1996 Mazda 626 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda 1000 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda 626 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1976 Mazda 1000. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda 626 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1976 Mazda 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Mazda 1000 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 1976 Mazda 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 626, 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, 1996 Mazda 626 (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda 1000. (77 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mazda 1000 | 1996 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 1000 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 987 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2620 mm |
