2002 Mazda 626 vs. 1996 Volvo V40
To start off, 2002 Mazda 626 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo V40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo V40 would be higher. At 1,946 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo V40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo V40 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo V40 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 626 weights approximately 12 kg more than 1996 Volvo V40.
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 Volvo V40 (176 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 626. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo V40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 626 | 1996 Volvo V40 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 626 | V40 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2570 mm |
