1990 Mazda 626 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 22 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 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (138 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1990 Mazda 626. (116 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1990 Mazda 626.
Because 1990 Mazda 626 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Mazda 626 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (200 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mazda 626. (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mazda 626. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 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. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mazda 626 | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Mazda | Chevrolet |
| Model | 626 | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2685 mm |
