1996 Mazda 626 vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper 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 Mini Cooper (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda 626 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2009 Mini Cooper.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 626 | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | 626 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2470 mm |
