1996 Mazda 626 vs. 2010 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2010 Nissan Frontier is newer by 14 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 2,486 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 340 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 2010 Nissan Frontier 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 2010 Nissan Frontier. 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, 2010 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 626 | 2010 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 626 | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2486 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3200 mm |
