2003 Fiat Panda vs. 1996 Mazda 626
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda 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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda 626 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda 626 weights approximately 279 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda. 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, 1996 Mazda 626 (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Panda. (144 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 1996 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Panda | 626 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1251 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 861 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2620 mm |
