1996 Mazda 626 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 17 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 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 441 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 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mazda 626. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 626 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 626 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1434 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2810 mm |
