1996 Mazda 626 vs. 2011 Seat Altea
To start off, 2011 Seat Altea 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Seat Altea (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Seat Altea weights approximately 200 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 Seat Altea (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 626 | 2011 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | 626 | Altea |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2470 mm |
