1997 Mazda 626 vs. 2012 BMW 740
To start off, 2012 BMW 740 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 740 (315 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 740 weights approximately 780 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.
Because 2012 BMW 740 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 2012 BMW 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2012 BMW 740 (447 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 626. 2012 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Mazda 626 | 2012 BMW 740 | |
Make | Mazda | BMW |
Model | 626 | 740 |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1840 cc | 3000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 315 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 447 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1970 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 5075 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1902 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1479 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3070 mm |