1981 BMW 628 vs. 1988 Mazda 626
To start off, 1988 Mazda 626 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 628. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 628 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 628 (181 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1988 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 628 weights approximately 348 kg more than 1988 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 628 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 1981 BMW 628. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1981 BMW 628 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda 626. (134 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 628 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 628 | 1988 Mazda 626 | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 628 | 626 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1789 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 181 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 134 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1122 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2580 mm |