1996 Mazda 626 vs. 1997 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1997 Nissan Laurel is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Laurel (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 626. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 250 kg more than 1996 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Nissan Laurel 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 1997 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1997 Nissan Laurel (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626. 1997 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mazda 626 | 1997 Nissan Laurel | |
Make | Mazda | Nissan |
Model | 626 | Laurel |
Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 153 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 149 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1390 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2730 mm |