1996 Mazda 626 vs. 1987 Nissan Vanette
To start off, 1996 Mazda 626 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Nissan Vanette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Nissan Vanette would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Nissan Vanette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda 626 (104 HP) has 44 more horse power than 1987 Nissan Vanette. (60 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1987 Nissan Vanette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Nissan Vanette weights approximately 320 kg more than 1996 Mazda 626.
Because 1987 Nissan Vanette 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 1987 Nissan Vanette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Mazda 626 (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Nissan Vanette. (123 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Nissan Vanette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 626 | 1987 Nissan Vanette | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 626 | Vanette |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 60 HP |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2080 mm |
