1996 Mazda 626 vs. 2007 Nissan Hardbody
To start off, 2007 Nissan Hardbody 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 3,275 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Nissan Hardbody is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Nissan Hardbody (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Hardbody should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Nissan Hardbody weights approximately 502 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 Nissan Hardbody 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 Nissan Hardbody. 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 Nissan Hardbody (265 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan Hardbody will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 626 | 2007 Nissan Hardbody | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 626 | Hardbody |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 3275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1692 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2960 mm |
