1984 BMW 318 vs. 1987 Mazda 626
To start off, 1987 Mazda 626 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mazda 626 (146 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1984 BMW 318. (103 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 626 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1984 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 BMW 318 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 1984 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1987 Mazda 626 (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 318. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1987 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 318 | 1987 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2580 mm |
