2005 BMW 730 vs. 1998 Mazda 626
To start off, 2005 BMW 730 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 730 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 730 weights approximately 630 kg more than 1998 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 730 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 2005 BMW 730. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2005 BMW 730 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 626. 2005 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 730 | 1998 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 730 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1824 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2620 mm |
