1990 BMW 525 vs. 1997 Mazda 626
To start off, 1997 Mazda 626 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 525 (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 525 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1997 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 525 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 1990 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1990 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 1997 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2620 mm |
