2002 Mazda 626 vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 543 kg more than 2002 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, 2004 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 626. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 626 | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 626 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
