1980 Dodge Aspen vs. 1996 Mazda 626
To start off, 1996 Mazda 626 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda 626 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1980 Dodge Aspen. (101 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1980 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 325 kg more than 1996 Mazda 626.
Because 1980 Dodge Aspen 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 1980 Dodge Aspen. 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, 1980 Dodge Aspen (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1980 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Dodge Aspen | 1996 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Aspen | 626 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 117.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2620 mm |
