2002 Mazda 626 vs. 2010 BMW 125
To start off, 2010 BMW 125 is newer by 8 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 125 (216 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 125 weights approximately 78 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.
Because 2010 BMW 125 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 2010 BMW 125. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2010 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 626. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 626 | 2010 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 626 | 125 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 53 L |
