1997 Mazda 626 vs. 1996 Saab 900
To start off, 1997 Mazda 626 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Saab 900 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Saab 900 (132 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Saab 900 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1997 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, 1996 Saab 900 (177 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda 626 | 1996 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Mazda | Saab |
| Model | 626 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
