2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1991 Mazda 626
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1991 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1991 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mazda 626 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mazda 626. (134 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1991 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 626 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2580 mm |
