1996 Mazda 626 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 13 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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1640 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 626 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 626 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1796 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 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 | 1190 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2770 mm |
