1996 BMW 540 vs. 1991 Mazda 626
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1991 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1991 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 695 kg more than 1991 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 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 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mazda 626. (134 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1991 Mazda 626 | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 540 | 626 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1991 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1789 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 134 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 77 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2580 mm |