1990 Mazda 626 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,950 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 (227 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1990 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1990 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 (540 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 405 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mazda 626. (135 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mazda 626. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 has automatic transmission and 1990 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1990 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mazda 626 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 626 | C30 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1789 cc | 2950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 97 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
