2001 Mazda 6 vs. 1988 Mazda 626
To start off, 2001 Mazda 6 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda 6 (164 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1988 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda 6 weights approximately 293 kg more than 1988 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, 2001 Mazda 6 (207 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda 626. (134 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda 6 | 1988 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 6 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 207 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1122 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2580 mm |
