1983 BMW 320 vs. 1999 Mazda 626
To start off, 1999 Mazda 626 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 320 (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1999 Mazda 626. (101 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda 626 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1983 BMW 320.
Because 1983 BMW 320 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 1983 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Mazda 626 (224 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 320. (171 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 320 | 1999 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
