1988 BMW 730 vs. 1987 Mazda 626
To start off, 1988 BMW 730 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 626. (146 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 730 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1987 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 730 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 1988 BMW 730. 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, 1988 BMW 730 (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 626. (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 730 | 1987 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 730 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2984 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2580 mm |
