1996 Mazda 626 vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 626. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 62 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 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mazda 626 | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Mazda | Mazda |
Model | 626 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 166 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 149 Nm | 191 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.1 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1202 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2340 mm |