2003 Acura CL vs. 1996 Mazda 626
To start off, 2003 Acura CL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura CL (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 626. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura CL weights approximately 440 kg more than 1996 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, 2003 Acura CL (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626. 2003 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura CL | 1996 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | CL | 626 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
