1996 Mazda 626 vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 is newer by 15 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 6 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 6 weights approximately 294 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.
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, 2011 Mazda 6 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626. 2011 Mazda 6 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. 2011 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 626 | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 626 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1839 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2789 mm |
